A FEW local government units (LGUs) have already approved an increase in fares among passenger tricycles amid the continued price hikes in petroleum products.
In Valenzuela City, the minimum fare in tricycles is now at P12 and P48 for special trips. The LGU also approved a P1.50 additional for every kilometer.
The Quezon City local government, on the other hand, ratified a provisional fare hike for tricycles although a signed resolution is still needed before an updated fare matrix is released.
Based on what was approved, regular fare in tricycles will be P10 per passenger for the first kilometer, with an additional P2 per kilometer. A tricycle can carry at least four passengers.
For special trips, it will be P30 for the first kilometer and an additional P5 per kilometer. The 20-percent discount should still be given to passengers who are either senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWD) and students.
Some tricycle drivers were happy with the increase in fares since it will help provide additional take-home pay for drivers and will not be an additional burden for passengers.
On the other hand, some passengers were divided in their view of the fare hike, with some saying tricycle fare is even more expensive than jeepneys, while others agree with the fare hike due to the face that gasoline prices continue to increase.
Meanwhile, there was no advise yet from other LGUs in Metro Manila regarding tricycle fare in their areas.
According to Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, it is up to the LGUs to decide if they will allow tricycle fare hikes in accordance with the Local Government Code.
‘Under the Local Government Code, regulation of tricycles are under the authority of LGUs and not the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board or the national government. Therefore, LGUs may already revise the tricycle fare matrix following established procedures,” Malaya explained.