THE Bacolod Traffic Master Plan is ready to be implemented in Bacolod City.
This was stressed by Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran on Sunday, September 29, after the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officially turned over the Bacolod Master Traffic Plan to Mayor Evelio Leonardia in Manila last week.
Familiaran said the Traffic Master Plan is a big help to address the traffic problem in the city.
He said the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) was tasked to implement the MMDA's recommendations to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in various areas.
In December 2018, the MMDA conducted a 12-day study in Bacolod City for free.
The MMDA performs planning, monitoring, and coordinative functions, and in the process exercises regulatory and supervisory authority over the delivery of metro-wide services within Metro Manila.
A traffic master plan could cost millions if done by private groups, but MMDA is assisting Bacolod City for free.
In June, MMDA released its initial recommendations to BTAO for the hiring of additional traffic enforcers, re-routing of some public utility vehicles, installation of more traffic lights and pedestrian lights, construction of Center Island along Barangay Pahanocoy Highway, and amending the traffic ordinances on the implementation of penalties like the anti-jaywalking ordinance.
Of the 212 intersections in Bacolod, he added that about 30 intersections were recommended by the MMDA for the installation of traffic and pedestrian lights.