City Mayor Darwin Estrañero of Tabuk City, Kalinga, has taken a firm stance against the prevalence of exorbitant tricycle fares, addressing the issue head-on during a recent press conference organized by the City Public Information Office (CPIO).
Expressing concern over mounting complaints, particularly from students, Mayor Estrañero emphasized the necessity of adhering to established tariff rates, labeling the practice of overcharging as illegal and detrimental to passengers.
In response to citizen grievances, Mayor Estrañero urged commuters to cooperate with city authorities by providing crucial details such as the vehicle’s body number and, where possible, the driver’s identity. Such information, he noted, would facilitate the enforcement of regulations aimed at curbing fare exploitation.
Central to the issue is the prescribed fare for Bulanao delivery, fixed at P15.00, though instances of fares reaching P20.00 or even P30.00, particularly around Hilltop, have raised concerns among commuters.
To address these concerns effectively, Mayor Estrañero pledged to convene with members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Transportation Committee to discuss tariff rates. Once finalized, these rates will be mandated to be prominently displayed inside all public transportation vehicles, ensuring transparency and informing passengers of the appropriate fares.
Additionally, Mayor Estrañero called for collaborative efforts between enforcement agencies to combat the exploitative practices of certain unscrupulous public transport drivers. He appealed for support from the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) and the Tabuk City Police Station to ensure compliance with regulations and uphold commuters’ rights.
The Mayor’s proactive stance underscores the city’s commitment to ensuring fair and equitable public transportation services for all residents. Residents have welcomed Mayor Estrañero’s initiative, expressing optimism that these measures will alleviate the financial burden faced by commuters and promote a culture of accountability among transport providers.
As the city progresses with its regulatory reforms, Mayor Estrañero remains steadfast in his commitment to safeguarding the welfare of the community and upholding principles of justice and equality in all aspects of governance.
In a related development, a dialogue held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, brought together representatives from regulatory offices, national agencies, and Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Associations (TODA) to address growing concerns. Discussions centered on numerous complaints lodged by commuters regarding abusive practices by certain tricycle drivers.
According to the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), a significant number of commuters have reported instances of tricycle drivers charging fares exceeding approved rates and failing to honor mandated discounts for students, disabled individuals, and senior citizens.
BPLO officials emphasized the importance of adhering to the approved fare matrix and urged operators to prominently display the chart inside their vehicles. Enforcement measures were outlined, including fines and penalties for violations, aimed at ensuring compliance with regulations.
Pierre Galicia, chief of the BPLO, highlighted the correlation between colorum tricycles – those operating without franchise permits – and regulatory violations. Commuters were advised to exercise caution and refrain from boarding colorum tricycles, identifiable by their lack of a body number, to avoid exploitation.
Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Panlungsod has taken proactive steps to address the proliferation of colorum tricycles through legislative measures, including streamlining the process of obtaining motorized tricycle operator permits (MTOP) and lifting moratoriums on new tricycle franchises.
Councilor Marc Rainier Duguiang, primary author of the ordinance, emphasized its role in curbing the influx of colorum units and restoring order to the city’s transportation sector.
Stakeholders remain optimistic about the prospects of a fair and transparent public transportation system in Tabuk City, with concerted efforts expected to yield tangible improvements in tricycle services across the city. By Jesse Maguiya