Bacolod City tests e-jeeps in ‘green lanes’ next week

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – The city government will conduct a five-day trial of electric jeepneys (e-jeep) along two designated “green lanes” from May 15 to 19.

The trial is an offshoot of discussions between Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, Atty. Salvador Altura Jr., officer-in-charge regional director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-6, and Engr. Joshua Gaquit, transportation development officer of LTFRB-6.

The environmentally friendly e-jeeps will serve routes in Barangays Cabug and Vista Alegre. During the dry run, commuters can ride the e-jeeps for free.

The route for Barangay Cabug will begin at the Circumferential Road heading north until Bangga Cory, then turn left at P. Hernaez Extension, right on Napoleon Gonzaga St., left on Lopez Jaena St., right on Hernaez St., left on Mabini St., left on Lizares St., right on Hernaez St., right on Bangga Cory-Circumferential Road South, and then back to the starting point.

The Barangay Vista Alegre route will commence at the relocation site in Arao, proceed left on Burgos Road until reaching the Burgos-Hilado Intersection, then turn left to the endpoint.

These routes are designed to meet the transportation needs of residents not currently covered by the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP). The outcomes of the dry run will assist local government and LTFRB officials in deciding whether to integrate these routes into the enhanced LPTRP.

The city currently operates eight e-jeep units manufactured by e-future Motors Ph Inc.