Commuters in Dagupan City are growing frustrated with the new traffic scheme that reportedly forces them to take two rides just to reach the city center.
Alaine Disu, a student from San Fabian, Pangasinan, said the system is both time-consuming and costly.
"Mahirap, kumakain ng oras namin o kaya'y dagdag gastos kasi nadodoble pamasahe namin," she said.
Under the current scheme, buses from Baguio City and La Union are rerouted through Tebeng-Caranglaan Road instead of going directly to AB Fernandez East to reduce traffic congestion.
As a result, commuters are dropped off at Tambac and must transfer to a jeepney, adding to their expenses.
The Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) understands the public's concerns but insists that this is the only solution to prevent heavy traffic from worsening in the city.
"Mas mahirap kasi kapag ang traffic aabot sa City High o sa mas malayo pa," POSO Chief Arvin Decano said.
Without the traffic scheme, drivers would suffer from reduced earnings due to hours spent in gridlock.
"Wala tayong ibang option, kawawa din mga driver," he said.
POSO is asking for the public’s patience, promising that once road construction is complete, travel will become smoother for everyone.