House probe sought to standardize regulations for tricycles

A RESOLUTION was filed at the House of Representatives that seeks to probe regulatory policies on tricycle operations to help ensure adequate income for drivers and operators while maintaining health safety protocols.

Ang Probinsyano Party-list Rep. Ronnie L. Ong, in House Resolution 2322, urges the House Committee on Transportation to conduct an investigation as there are “no clear, uniform, and delineated guidelines” for tricycles following the implementation of the alert level system.

“Certain areas placed under Alert Level 3 or lower continue to practice guidelines initially imposed during ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) on their tricycle operations,” according to a copy of the resolution.

The Department of Interior and Local Government implemented a one-passenger policy for tricycles in areas under ECQ in August when the country was dealing with a Delta-driven surge in coronavirus cases.

Mr. Ong also said that local government units are also “left hanging” as they look for clarificatory guidelines and recommendations from the national inter-agency task force managing the coronavirus response.

A tricycle, which is a motorbike with a roofed sidecar, can normally carry up to four passengers. It is a common form of public transportation in both cities and rural areas.

“The lack of clear policy ultimately creates inefficient use of public transport, higher cost of commuters, and inadequate income for tricycle drivers and operators who are unable to put food on the table and cover other essential family needs,” Mr. Ong said. —