Synched vehicle number coding schemes pushed

Baguio, La Trinidad routes 

By Jordan G. Habbiling

BAGUIO CITY -- The City Council here approved August 16 a resolution requesting the La Trinidad, Benguet municipal government, to cooperate with the city government of Baguio for synchronization of number coding schemes of the two local government units.
    Councilor Benny Bomogao, chairperson of the Sanggunian’s committee on public utilities, transportation, and traffic legislation, said both local government units have their own ordinances prescribing number coding scheme for motor vehicles.
    He said both coding schemes need to be in sync to avoid causing confusion to public transportation drivers, riding public, and traffic enforcers.
    The synchronization will greatly benefit the riding residents of both Baguio City and La Trinidad, he added.
    The councilor said most residents of these two adjacent localities crossing the Baguio-La Trinidad border rely significantly on the existing inter-municipal public utility vehicles for their transportation.
    Last April 10, Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong issued executive order No. 51, series of 2021 prescribing  revised general guidelines for Baguio while it is under general vommunity quarantine (GCQ).
    Pursuant to section 4 of the said EO, the Baguio traffic management working group issued a temporary transportation scheme for the city, effective August 1, 2021 until December 2021 unless shortened due to changes in the quarantine classification.
    The said advisory provides that the number coding scheme for the taxi service can be changed to adjust to the current quarantine classification in consultation with stakeholders.
    Earlier, the municipal government implemented a modified coding scheme for Baguio-based taxis plying the municipality.
    However, the modified coding scheme ended last July 31.
    According to a newspaper article, Municipal Mayor Romeo Salda said the local government will be implementing its own number coding scheme pursuant to an approved ordinance to “help in sustaining the gains of effective and efficient traffic management in the locality.”