By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA

The Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) has intensified operations against unregistered and franchise-less tricycles and e-bikes or “colorum” in various barangays in Bacolod City.

BTTMD head Reubin Sabig said they impounded a total of 126 electronic bicycles (e-bikes) and 87 tricycles from June 1 to 25.

Sabig said e-bikes are considered colorum because they are not covered by any city ordinance allowing them to operate as public transportation.

“For now, we don’t have a local ordinance covering e-bikes fitted with sidecars that would allow drivers to become members of the city’s registered tricycle drivers’ associations,” he said.

Sabig noted that all members of tricycle associations are required to secure business permits from the city government.

He said most e-bikes operating as public utility vehicles only have permits issued by their respective barangays, which are not recognized by the city government.

Sabig explained that barangays are authorized to issue franchises and permits to operate only for trisikads, not e-bikes.

“Barangays can only issue franchises and permits to operate to trisikad drivers, provided they have a business permit from the city,” he said.

He added that many e-bikes contribute to traffic congestion on both major roads and secondary roads in the barangays.

Sabig cited Barangay Handumanan, where around 300 e-bikes are operating, and Barangay Felisa, which has approximately 270 e-bikes.

He also disclosed that drivers of impounded e-bikes are fined P2,000, plus an additional P1,000 towing fee./MAP, WDJ