Mayor calls for e-vehicle regulatory plan

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez has directed barangay captains to devise and submit a transportation plan concerning pedicabs, e-bikes, and tricycles by May 15.

In a consultative meeting with village chiefs, the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO), the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and Councilor Al Victor Espino at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), the topic of regulating e-trikes and e-bikes was thoroughly discussed.

Following the meeting, Benitez highlighted his directive in a media interview.

“I have tasked the village chiefs with the responsibility to submit a report detailing the number of units needed per barangay, their route plans, the types of units, and their proposed fares,” he said.

The mayor pointed out that the lack of registration and driver’s licenses for most e-bikes and e-trikes makes their operation unsafe for the public.

“It is not possible for them to operate under these conditions,” Benitez added.

He announced plans to issue an executive order to clarify regulations.

“We will expedite the development of policies and guidelines to serve as the foundation for these regulations,” Benitez affirmed.

Benitez also referenced a gap in the national regulation of e-bikes and stressed the need for local governance to bridge this with prompt and protective measures.

“We need to draft guidelines and policies that will lead to an ordinance for proper regulation of these vehicles,” he stated, reaffirming the city’s role in regulation over revenue.

The urgency for regulatory action follows concerns raised by tricycle drivers and operators over the surge of e-bikes and e-trikes, which they claim undermines their livelihoods.