KALIBO, Aklan – A group of tricycle drivers and operators appealed to stop the impending total phase out of tricycles in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.
The group urged the municipal government and the Sangguniang Bayan to reconsider implementing the total phase out to avert the massive displacement and unemployment in the island.
This was after acting Malay mayor Frolibar Bautista issued Executive Order No. 40 on Nov. 11, directing the Municipal Transportation Office to implement the phase out.
According to the group, some electronic tricycle (e-trike) drivers could hardly meet the P1,500 daily boundary and P350 charging fee.
“The e-trike drivers don’t pick up regular passengers because of short range time, and they prefer contracted rate where the commuters and tourists are highly affected,” the group said.
Instead of a shift to e-trikes, they proposed redesigned tricycle units with elevated roof, proper luggage compartment, reduced passenger capacity, and uniform island design.
Bautista, meanwhile, said environment-friendly e-trikes not only help the environment, but also make the public transport safer and convenient while encouraging tricycle operators to replace their gasoline-fuelled public utility tricycles before its complete phase out on Dec. 31.
Tricycles are common mode of transportations in Boracay Island and a source of livelihood but are heavily reliant on fossil fuels, while e-trikes can carry up to nine passengers and are more advantageous in terms of fuel savings.(With a report from Akean Forum/PN)
