BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio Leonardia has ordered to stop the experimental traffic rerouting set to be implemented by the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO)-Traffic Management Unit (TMU) for the Yuletide season.
The directive came after commuters and motorists complained about the traffic congestion in some areas especially in the vicinity of Barangay Mandalagan as a result of the rerouting that started Friday.
The BTAO was supposed to implement the traffic rerouting from December 16 to 31. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., all public utility jeepneys coming from the north plying Bata and Mandalagan-Libertad will pass San Juan Street and turn left to Rosario Street. Only private vehicles will pass San Sebastian Street and public utility vehicles from the south will pass Araneta Street and turn left at Gonzaga Street towards San Juan Street.
Due to numerous complaints, Leonardia said he instructed Superintendent Luisito Acebuche, head of BTAO, to return to the original traffic plan effective December 17.
“This is not yet the right time to come up with the experimental traffic rerouting,” Leonardia said, adding that it will take time for the public to adapt to a new traffic scheme.
The mayor noted though that BTAO still aims to improve the traffic situation by placing railings in the middle of the road and trying to identify alternative routes for traffic adjustment.
Leonardia asked for the public’s understanding regarding the traffic situation during the holidays.
“I’m sorry for the inconvencience,” he said.
He assured Bacolodnons that more traffic enforcers will be deployed in the streets to effectively improve and address the traffic situation especially in critical areas.
About 30 traffic enforcers more will be deployed at the downtown area, the mayor said.
