KALIBO, Aklan – Amid the campaign for jeepney modernization, the local government of Malay is looking to gradually phase out tricycles next.
According to Malay acting mayor Floribar Bautista, gasoline-fueled tricycles plying in Boracay Island and the town’s major thoroughfares will be replaced by electronic tri-wheels.
“Kailangan may total phase out na ng mga tricycles sa Boracay mula Nov. 19 hanggang Dec. 31 this year. Impound natin ang mga ito pag mahuli sa Enero at i-transport sa mainland Malay,” Bautista said.
Bautista has issued Executive Order No. 40 series of 2019 on Nov. 11 enforcing the guidelines and policies on electric tricycles (e-trike) program.
He said that then former mayor Ceciron Cawaling issued Executive Order No. 007 on Feb. 1, 2018 for the full enforcement of the e-trike program, but the Sangguniang Bayan requested for the suspension of the implementation due to the temporary closure of Boracay.
“Mahigit na anim na taon na itong modernisasyon ng transport sa Boracay. Hindi natin dapat i-delay itong programa. May tricycle operators na hindi nag-renew ng kanilang franchises dahil alam nila matutuloy ang e-trike program,” he added.
The Municipal Traffic Code requires e-trike drivers and operators to secure franchises with the Municipal Transport and Franchising Regulatory Board before they are allowed to operate.
The gradual replacement of conventional tricycles in Malay, Aklan was introduced in 2013 to promote cleaner and efficient vehicles, lessen noise pollution and environment-friendly mode of transport.
“Isa sa mga advantage ng e-trike project ay mabawasan ang problema natin sa environment, health at pollution,” Bautista said. (With a report from Akean Forum/PN)
