By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) head, Police Lt. Colonel Luisito Acebuche, reminded public utility jeepneys (PUJs) operators plying southbound routes to observe the 45-day traffic experiment, which goes into effect today. The traffic experiment is implemented for jeepneys operating between Central Market and Barangays Punta Taytay, Sum-ag, Tangub, Singcang-Airport, and Magsungay.
Following a resolution earlier passed by the city’s Sangguniang Panlungsod, BTAO was authorized to conduct a 45 to 60-day traffic experiment for the modification and extension of the various routes in order to provide the riding public with access to various government offices situated along Gatuslao and San Juan Streets.
Under the traffic scheme, southbound PUJs will enter the public transport terminal at the corner of Father M. Ferrero-Burgos Streets, beside the Bacolod Vendors’ Plaza. Upon reaching the corner of Gatuslao-Rizal Streets, jeepneys will be directed towards South Capitol Road, then turn left at Ayala Capitol Central Mall, turn left at San Juan Street, and turn right onto Burgos Street towards the terminal.
The rerouting will also provide customers for sidewalk vendors relocated to the Bacolod Vendors’ Plaza.
Acebuche said they have deployed three BTAO personnel along Rizal Street, situated from the San Sebastian Cathedral to the corner of Father M. Ferrero-Rizal Streets, in order to apprehend southbound PUJs as the route is intended for jeepneys operating between Libertad Public Market and Shopping, along with Barangays Mandalagan, Bata, and Banago.
About 600 southbound PUJs are expected to be affected by the traffic experiment.
Meanwhile, BTAO created the Task Force Land Transportation Public Route Terminal, composed of 20 personnel to man the said terminal./DGB, WDJ