The United Negros Transport Cooperative (UNETCO) launched Friday the modernized public utility vehicles that will soon take the streets of Bacolod and the entire Negros island.
The blessing and ceremonial ribbon cutting was officiated by cooperative members of UNETCO led by their Chairman Marcelo Ochia with Yellowdot Inc.’s Gerry Castillo, with the presence of OIC Chairman Medel Alfalla of the Office of Transportation Cooperative/Department of Transportation, and Executive Assistant to Bacolod Mayor, Ernie Pineda.
A short program was held at the New Government Center grounds after the ribbon cutting and blessing of the modernized jeepneys.
Ochia said that it was a momentous day for the commuting public as well as to all the members of UNETCO who had pooled their resources to realize the PUV modernization in the city and in Negros in general.
Last week prior to the event, a social media page featured a post regarding the new jeepneys and got positive feedbacks from the commuting public that were commenting on how safe and efficient these new jeepneys are.
Thousands shared the common positive view, with these new vehicles having CCTV cameras, cash less transactions via tap cards, and these are airconditioned units.
This will reshape the entire transport industry since the public is waiting for that modern experience than that of the traditional mode of transport that we have, said Ochia.
The Public Utility Vehicles Modernization Program (PUVMP) is a flagship program of the present administration that envisions a well managed, environmentally sustainable transport sector where drivers and operators will have sufficient and dignified livelihoods while getting their commuters safe and comfortably, he added.
We have led the launching last week and we will wait after the units will be consolidated and submitted to the LTFRB for approval of our routes and franchises. Since the process, UNETCO will let the public experience the new jeepneys through “free rides” on chosen areas so that these experiences be shared by the riding public themselves, Ochia added.* (Owen Segovia Bayog, NDB, Photo by MB)