BACOLOD CITY – People were stranded due to limited public transportation here on Monday, Nov. 7, after hundreds of unregistered Public Utility Vehicles did not ply the streets to avoid apprehension by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Western Visayas,

The LTFRB and LTO also conducted checkpoints to check the compliance of PUVs with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
The PUVMP began in June 2017 and aims to phase out traditional jeepneys and other PUVs at least 15-years-old and replace them with more comfortable and environment-friendly vehicles in three years.
As of Nov. 7, 123 modernized jeepneys are plying the streets here, based on a report from the LTFRB, which was cited by the City’s Public Information Office.
The limited number of modernized jeepneys and other PUVs here prompted some schools to suspend face-to-face classes and conduct classes virtually for the convenience of students.
The city government deployed vehicles to assist the riding public. Five office vehicles, two city buses, two rescue vehicles from the city government, and a vehicle from a corporate firm accommodated stranded passengers.
Barangays 8, Taculing, Estefania, and Mansilingan augmented the city’s efforts through a ‘’Libreng Sakay’’ (free ride) program.
Due to the current situation of the transport sector here, a dialogue will be held at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) on Tuesday, Nov. 8, to discuss the concerns of the traditional jeepney drivers and operators.
Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran will lead the dialogue on behalf of the city government after Mayor Alfredo Abelardo ‘’Albee’’ Benitez tested positive for Covid-19.