FREE TRANSPORT. An emergency rescue vehicle transports mostly workers and students stranded due to the transport strike in Bacolod City on Thursday (Aug. 15, 2024). City government vehicles transport passengers who could not be accommodated by modern and consolidated traditional jeepneys. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City PIO)
BACOLOD CITY – The city government here provided transportation assistance to stranded commuters during the two-day transport strike of unconsolidated traditional jeepney operators and drivers until Thursday.
Two groups, Kabakod Negros and Bacod Kambyada Manibela, led the transport holiday to air their concerns on the implementation of the Public Transport Modernization Program.
City government vehicles ferried passengers who could not be accommodated by modern and consolidated traditional jeepneys.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) reported that the local government deployed three rescue vehicles, including a truck and two vans, to ferry affected commuters going home from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday.
CDRRMO operations chief Earl Edward Ramirez said they transported about 550 stranded passengers from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m..
Those transported waited for vehicles at Libertad Market, the public plaza, and the downtown area.
On Thursday, rescue and police vehicles were dispatched to ferry mostly workers and students.
In an interview, Councilor Al Victor Espino, chairperson of the City Council’s committee on transportation, acknowledged the need for all sides to be heard but also considered transport cooperatives that have already invested in acquiring modern jeepneys.
“What will you do with those who now have monthly amortizations to pay?” he said. (PNA)
