By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz confirmed that talks have resumed between the provincial government and Vallacar Transit Incorporated (VTI) over the proposed resumption of bus trips between Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.

According to Diaz, the management of VTI wanted to resume bus trips in order to cater to fully vaccinated individuals.

Earlier this year, the provincial government of Negros Occidental came close to approving the resumption of the bus trips between the two neighboring provinces, however, it was immediately shelved due to the threat of the Delta variant of COVID-19.

For now, Diaz noted they would need the approval of the provincial government of Negros Oriental for the bus trips to resume.

Based on the initial conditions for bus travelers, all fully vaccinated individuals will be allowed to travel between the two provinces, while unvaccinated travelers will be required to present a negative RT-PCR test result.

As with the proposed regulations set by the provincial government of Negros Occidental previously, the trips will be point-to-point, which means the bus will not be allowed to take in new passengers enroute to their destination, while the passengers are not allowed to disembark until reaching the terminal of their destination.

VTI is set to present their travel resumption proposal with Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo./DGB, WDJ