Bacolod is a highly urbanized city in the Negros Island Region. As of 2020, it was home to more than 600,700 people — making it the most populated city in the region, as well as the second most populated city in the Visayas group of islands, after Cebu City.
The city also happens to be the center of the Bacolod metropolitan area, with numerous commercial buildings and of course… a lot of public and private vehicles. And so, working closely with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to manage the city’s system of transportation is the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO).
What is the BTAO?
The Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) was created through City Ordinance No. 315 on December 5, 2002. Prior to this, however, the office was organized based on City Ordinance No. 230, Series of 1999, titled “Ordinance Creating the Bacolod Traffic Authority (BTA), Its Component Office, and Proving Funds Thereof.”
According to City Ordinance No. 230, Bacolod City had been experiencing a “severe strain” in its transport capacity, which threatened the city’s viability and livability. There was a need for the creation of a central traffic authority that would oversee the planning, management, and implementation of the city’s traffic activities. Hence, the BTA, and later the BTAO, was established.
Roles and Functions
Based on City Ordinance No. 230, the primary role of the BTA is “to integrate into one whole system the various functions of line departments and government entities responsible for traffic management and administration.”
Amid rapid urbanization, economic growth and the increasing population, the main goal of the BTA is to achieve “an ideal traffic situation” in Bacolod city. Among other things, it formulates traffic policies — subject to the approval of the City Council — based on the transport situation and needs of the community.
In order to achieve these goals, the BTA’s functions are as follows:
- Coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the planning and implementation of traffic management components undertaken by the various departments of the city government and line agencies;
- Review and submit for approval all traffic engineering and management schemes to the City Council;
- Recommend to the City Council the establishment of new route franchise(s), via route of these new franchise(s) and/or closure of old franchise(s) of all public utility vehicles (PUVs) operating in Bacolod City, in relation to a traffic management scheme;
- Promulgate the necessary rules and regulations in the implementation of the provisions of City Ordinance No. 230, subject to the approval of the City Council;
- Conduct traffic experiments, studies, and/or research and utilize the results in formulating appropriate and responsive traffic regulations;
- Submit periodic and special reports on traffic management activities to the City Mayor; and
- Perform other related functions as necessary to ensure the effective planning and implementation of traffic management schemes.
Organizational Structure
The BTA is led by the Traffic Operations Officer IV, who will act as Head of Office. He/She supervises several sections: Administrative Section, Traffic Enforcement Section, Traffic Technical and Engineering Section, and Traffic Education and Information Section.
Under these sections are Administrative Officers, Clerks, Traffic Operations Officers, and Traffic Aides.
Latest Updates
Meanwhile, here are the latest news and updates on the BTAO, based on the official website of the Bacolod City Government:
BTAO Holds “Kontra Colorum” Refresher Course
The Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) held a refresher course about colorum tricycle apprehension. A total of 28 volunteers attended the course, which was held on February 19, 2024.
The course tackled several topics, including City Ordinances and Republic Act 4136, the basis for apprehending colorum vehicles. The trainees were officially deployed the next day, February 2020.
Notably, those who are interested to learn more about traffic-related laws and ordinances are encouraged to contact the BTAO, which is willing to organize seminars on the topic.
BTAO, LTO Conduct Road Safety Training
The Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO), in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Grab, conducted a road safety training on March 20, 2024. The theme of the training was “Think and Drive, Be Alive: Alert, Law Abiding, Involved, Value Oriented, Educated.”
The training covered several topics, such as the Five Pillars of Road Safety, Road and Traffic Rules, and Defensive Training. It also discussed the Mandates of the Land Transportation office, and How to Act in Road Crash Incidents.
The two-day training was heled on March 20 and 21, 2024. A total of 150 participants attended, coming from different organizations including: ACS, CEB Hauling, Foodpanda, Grabfood, Ocsiphils, Polymer, Rouser Club of the Philippines, Shopee Express, South Tours, and Spot on Log.
Radar-Assisted Traffic Lights Installed
As part of the ongoing efforts to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, radar-assisted traffic lights were installed at five major intersections in Bacolod City on July 10, 2024.
The locations are as follows:
- Burgos Street – Barangay Estefania Sofia Gonzaga (Metro Bacolod Hospital);
- Alijis Road – Lacson Extension (Pao De Arco);
- Araneta Avenue – Carlos Hilado Avenue (Cegasco);
- Burgos Street – San Juan Street (Near SM); and
- B.S. Aquino Drive – San Juan Street (Sto. Niño Stop).
Previously, radar-assisted traffic lights had already been installed at three locations: Buri Road – Barangay Mandalagan, Police Station 6 – Barangay Taculing, and North Capitol Road.
As the term implies, radar-assisted traffic lights utilize radar technology in detecting traffic volume and speed, enabling them to adjust timings to enhance traffic flow. They also feature a “pedestrian push button,” which offers safety for pedestrians who are crossing the road.
Contact Information: BTAO Main Office
If you have any traffic- and transport-related questions or concerns, or if you would like to have a seminar on road safety and other matters, you can get in touch with the BTAO Main Office through these contact details:
Address: Lacson Extension, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Telephone: 0961-409-3030
Email: bacolodtrafficauthorityoffice@gmail.com, btao@bacolodcity.gov.ph
Website: https://bacolodcity.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/btao2016/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
As one of the most highly urbanized cities in the country, Bacolod City faces heavy traffic and congestion on a daily basis. Fortunately, thanks to the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) and other agencies, city motorists can be assured of smooth and safe travel.
Similarly, in other parts of the country, road authorities are actively managing traffic flow, as well. Check out this article to know more about the Taguig City Traffic Management Office, which aims to enhance the transportation experience in Taguig City, Metro Manila.