Bacolod City gears up for e-mobility with Philippine national government and Clean Air Asia support
Clean Air Asia participated in this initiative as part of the e-mobility ASAP Project and supported the government’s focused area implementation of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).
Represented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC), the Philippine government reviewed Bacolod City’s implementation of the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP); facilitated a training needs assessment; and held focus group discussions with members of city government and Transport Service Entities (TSEs) to explore and assess its transport modernization and e-mobility readiness.
“As part of the government’s directive to the DOTr to improve the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), they are conducting the focused area implementation in select cities to really address the needs of various cities, such as Bacolod City. Clean Air Asia is supporting DOTr and LTFRB towards integrating electric mobility in the PTMP, following DOTr’s mandate in the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act. The Project is thankful to DOTr for allowing Clean Air Asia to be one of the main development partners in this landmark initiative,” said Grench Mañibo, e-mobility ASAP Project Coordinator of Clean Air Asia.
The e-mobility ASAP Project is funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Department of Trade and Industry, and Board of Investments.
Local Public Transport Route Plan implementation assessment: Is it working?
The assessments showed that there is a mismatch in supply of PUVs in Bacolod City due to discrepancies in survey data. This has led to an imbalance where some routes have too many vehicles while others remain underserved. Route overlaps were also observed. As a result, many TSEs face financial losses from reduced profitability.
To address this, the DOTr, supported by the e-mobility ASAP Project, recommended conducting a comprehensive transport survey, developing a phased implementation plan, and integrating updated data to revise and strengthen the LPTRP.
Local Government Unit (LGU) training needs assessment: How can Bacolod City be supported?
Despite the challenges identified, Bacolod City has demonstrated a strong service-oriented approach through the establishment of the Bacolod Traffic and Transportation Management Department (BTTMD) in 2024. The BTTMD’s long-term goal is to become an independent office capable of managing the LPTRP.
Bacolod has also shown innovation in its transport governance by issuing business permits with integrated QR codes, allowing for easier verification of properly registered vehicles. However, there remains a need to clearly establish which agency (DOTr, LTFRB, LTO, LGU) will take the lead in specific areas of implementation, ensuring clear delineation of responsibilities.
In addition, the city would benefit from capacity-building in transport planning, fleet management, and the development of its e-mobility sector. While Bacolod has available spaces to support e-mobility infrastructure, financing remains a key barrier that requires further support. The LGU also requires additional directions on implementation. While the LTO has the authority to deputize traffic enforcers, the LGU still needs to expand its manpower to fully carry out enforcement.
Focused group discussions: The reality for transportation corporations and cooperatives
The team conducted focused group discussions with seven TSEs: UNETCO, MBMJ & Uy, RSJ Lines, AXPD Lines, Cebu Peoples MPC, Choret Corp, and Bacolod South TSC.
All groups identified one common challenge: intense competition driven by traditional and unregistered units. These unregulated operators often undercharge passengers, offering fares at ₱10 instead of the regulated ₱13, further squeezing revenues.
Another recurring concern was route friction, particularly with unregistered tricycles, which has been exacerbated by issues in the LPTRP implementation.
In terms of earnings, TSEs reported daily revenues ranging from ₱2,000–₱3,000 per unit, with some reaching ₱4,000–₱5,000. However, the ideal daily revenue needed to sustain modernization is ₱7,000–₱8,000 per unit. Interestingly, during transport strikes, some operators reported earning as much as ₱10,000–₱13,000 daily.
This points to significant financial risks. Even with technical capability, some TSEs are barely breaking even just to cover amortization costs, while others are falling short, resulting in the imminent foreclosure of units.
Electric vehicles: Is the Bacolod transport sector ready to shift to electric Public Utility Vehicles (e-PUVs)?
Despite financial challenges and risks, most TSEs expressed genuine interest in transitioning to electrification. However, concerns remain, particularly around battery performance. One TSE’s e-PUV use encountered technical issues, which created hesitation among other groups.
To address these concerns, Clean Air Asia reassured stakeholders that additional precautionary measures will be taken should they proceed with e-PUV adoption. This includes providing access to charging stations, coordination with government agencies to ensure quality of vehicles being sold to TSEs, facilitating loan support, and improving the capacity of TSEs to ensure smoother implementation. Clean Air Asia has also initiated coordination with Negros Power, the distribution utility in Bacolod City, where they discussed technical and regulatory compliance requirements for integration of e-PUVs in the city.
Overall, the week-long mission of DOTr, LTFRB, LTO, OTC, and Clean Air Asia highlighted both opportunities and challenges in the transport sector of Bacolod City. While oversupply, mismatched data, fleet management, and financial risks continue to challenge TSEs, the city has also shown capacity to innovate through improved governance, synergies among local and national government agencies, and openness to e-mobility.
“With improved route planning, stronger social support programs, and closer collaboration with national government agencies, Bacolod can have a more efficient and sustainable transport system. Clean Air Asia is committed to supporting Bacolod in this endeavor, ensuring that modernization and electric mobility supports all stakeholders: LGU, TSEs, drivers, conductors, commuters, and leaves no one behind,” said Mañibo
