The Negros Occidental provincial government is providing free daily shuttle service for its employees living outside this provincial capital, where the main Capitol offices are located, to help them save on travel costs.

As of Monday, three pick-up areas have been initially set up, which are in the cities of Bago and Silay as well as in Murcia town.

Provincial administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said they have proposed to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson to implement the free transport service on a long-term basis, considering the global oil crisis that leads to higher fuel prices and travel expenses.

“We cannot turn a blind eye to the hard work of our employees. That is a way of saying that we are taking care of our employees especially those in the low-income brackets. Of course, this is open to all even those with service vehicles,” he said.

Each day, the bus and other service vehicles leave the Provincial Capitol at 6:30 a.m. and proceed to the Silay public plaza to fetch employees from the north; Department of Education office in Bago City, south; and Murcia Public Plaza, central.

Personnel with out-of-town assignments such as the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City can also take the shuttle while on its way to pick up the employees.

By 7 a.m., the shuttle travels back to the Provincial Capitol and arrives just before the start of the office hours at 8 a.m., and in the afternoon, leaves at 5:30 p.m. to bring the employees back to the designated stops.

Diaz said they also encourage employees who own vehicles to leave these at home when going to work.

“That is to stop or reduce dependence on petroleum products. Even those who can afford to buy cars, we encourage them to take the bus and avail of the services of the province,” he added. (PNA)