City shortens Impounding time for e-bikes

CEBU, Philippines — E-bike drivers in Cebu City whose vehicles were confiscated felt a sense of relief after the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) promised to release their e-bikes sooner, shortening the wait time from the initial timetable

This was the result of a meeting with the concerned departments at City Hall the other day, set by Mayor Raymond Garcia after a dialogue with the e-bike drivers in Duljo Fatima last week.

Under CCTO's policy, confiscated registered e-bikes that do not follow their respective routes will take a week to be released, while unregistered ones will take a month.

However, such durations for impounding vehicles have caused more problems for drivers and their families, especially for those who have no other means of earning a living.

After hearing their sentiments, CCTO head Raquel Arce came up with a recommendation to process the release of confiscated e-bikes within four days, while the impounding of unregistered e-bikes will be cut to 15 days.

Arce's recommendation, according to the City’s Public Information Office (PIO), has already been approved by Mayor Garcia.

As for the concern of tricycle drivers about the lack of parking space at the Carbon Market area, CCTO is considering the area along Cebu Eastern College as a temporary parking area if the one on Magallanes Street is already filled. This, however, still needs CEC’s approval.

Mayor Garcia assured tricycle and e-bike drivers that the city government is also looking after their welfare. He also expects the drivers’ cooperation and understanding.

"So kakita mo unsa mi mo balanse-balanse sa inyong kaayohan. Hinaut unta magsinabtanay ta," Mayor Garcia said.

Meanwhile, more parking spaces at Carbon Market are expected with the opening of Carbon's Tourism Zone Phase 1 this afternoon, Nov. 30.

This afternoon’s program will also include the recognition of Mayor Garcia by the Cebu Ports Authority. There will also be a ceremonial turnover of the key for the newly renovated Police Station 5 office by Cebu2World to PS5 Station Commander Police Major Erwin Abrasado. — (FREEMAN)