DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, June 14 (PIA) -- Some 100 additional new franchises for Motorcabs-For-Hire (MCH) will be granted by the city provided that the units are environmentally sustainable in line with the aim of modernizing the local transport sector.

The proposed ordinance authored by Vice Mayor Karissa Tolentino-Maxino, Councilor Michael Bandal, and Liga ng mga Barangay President Dionie Amores will be in compliance to the Philippine Clean Air Act.

This also enjoins local government units to develop an action plan for the control and management of air pollution from motor vehicles consistent with the Integrated Air Quality Framework.

The MCH Modernization Program as embodied in the proposed ordinance will grant 100 new franchises provided that the MCH units shall be powered by either Euro 4 compliant combustion engines or electronic powered engines.

This is in accordance with the primary policy of the Department of Transportation to provide the general public with a dependable, safe and reliable transport system as well as ensure roadworthiness of public utilities for hire operating in the city streets and highways in the country.

The proposed ordinance will make public land transportation safer, more comfortable, and environmentally sustainable for the riding public through the modernization of MCH. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)