Hagedorn junks 21 tricycle permits

Cheryl A. Galili
The Palawan Times

CITY MAYOR Edward S. Hagedorn has returned the approved resolution of the Sangguniang Panlungsod granting the request for the transfer of 21 motorized tricycle operator’s permits (MTOPs) franchises by way of sale. The letter dated November 4, 2010 from City Secretary Samson Negosa transmitted to the august body contained Hagedorn’s disapproval to the legislative measure. The mayor noted that the approval of the said transfer of franchises by way of sale will cause further congestion of the national highway and city street. Hagedorn commented that not allowing further transfer of franchise will reduce the number of authorized tricycle franchises plying the city streets. Recently, the Sangguniang Panlungsod approved a resolution urging the city engineering department to come up with the alternative routes including the possible opening of the new roads to ease the traffic congestion within poblacion. The council observed that the continuous incresase of vehicle volume causes too much traffic during rush hours. The city has tried implementing the 50-50 traffic scheme with the aim of reducing the numbers of tricycles plying in the street. It likewise implemented the truck ban and re-routing schemes. It seems, though, that it can no longer address the traffic congestion. In several radio interviews, the city mayor has also expressed his desire to ease the traffic burden by opening of new alternative road.