By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez announced that the apprehension of illegal e-bikes will resume on Friday, May 24.
This follows a meeting where Benitez reminded village chiefs to comply with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)’s 2020 Memorandum Circular (MC) 2020-036.
The circular prohibits tricycles, pedicabs, and motorized pedicabs from operating on national highways and requires the submission of accredited e-bike operators in each barangay.
Benitez stated that over 20 out of 61 barangays have submitted lists of accredited e-bike operators. These barangays include 18, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 22, 34, 35, 36, 38, 40, Banago, Bata, Cabug, Estefania, Felisa, Handumanan, Granada, Pahanocoy, Vista Alegre, and Villamonte.
The city will use these lists to issue operating permits for e-bikes in the barangays, according to Benitez.
During a press briefing, Benitez mentioned that the finalization of the lists from the remaining barangays was on May 20.
Subsequently, licenses or permits will be issued to accredited e-bikes, as well as tricycles and e-trikes.
“The moratorium will start on May 24,” Benitez said, adding that the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) will begin apprehending e-bikes without proper permits starting Friday. Benitez emphasized that this move aims to ensure the safety of commuters and drivers on the road.
The need to regulate e-bikes and e-trikes arose after tricycle drivers and operators raised concerns about unregistered e-bikes and e-trikes, which could endanger the riding public.
E-JEEP DRY RUN
Meanwhile, Benitez reported that the four-day dry run of electric jeepneys (e-jeep) in Barangay Vista Alegre from May 16 to 19 was successful, with many residents using the vehicle from the Arao relocation site to Burgos public market and back.
“It was very good,” Benitez said, though he noted he has yet to see the actual report.
The first day of the dry run on May 15 was halted after a confrontation when tricycle drivers in the area prevented the e-jeep with passengers from leaving the relocation site, fearing it would affect their livelihood.
Benitez later met with the tricycle drivers to address their concerns, allowing the dry run to resume.
When asked about the possibility of establishing a terminal in the area, Benitez said it is feasible as the city works on making fares more affordable for residents.
“Since it’s a green route, we are exclusively asking the operators to use electric vehicles,” he said, believing that e-jeeps are cheaper than gasoline-powered jeepneys.
Benitez said the city will assess and review the dry run for a proper recommendation. Following the dry run, the City Council will discuss formalizing the route.
“Our goal is to move to e-jeep for our public transportation because it’s better for the environment, and we will have more affordable rates in the future,” he added.
Benitez mentioned that if the four-day dry run is insufficient, the city could request an extension from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
A five-day dry run in Barangay Cabug will also be conducted soon, after addressing some concerns.
