TRICYCLE drivers and operators asked for a minimum fare of P50 per two kilometers and P10 for every additional kilometer during a public hearing called by the Committee on Transportation of the Dagupan Sangguniang Panlungsod on October 23.

John Royce Atilon, vice president of the Five Star bus station Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA), said the proposed rates will give them at least a minimal income, considering the increased costs of fuel and other maintenance needs.

The council’s proposed ordinance, prepared by committee head Councilor Marvin Fabia with the help of the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO), sets the minimum fare at P20 for the first two kilometers and P10 for every additional kilometer.

The proposed resolution will also ban the contracting system or “pakyaw” by the tricycle driver and passenger, in which the former often demands prohibitive rates.

POSO chief Arvin Decano said the proposed ordinance will amend the current one approved in 2012,  with the minimum fare at P10 for the first four kilometers and later amended to just three kilometers.

Decano admitted that they had been receiving numerous complaints about overcharging by tricycle drivers, but so far, only three of these had been resolved, with erring drivers slapped with a fine.

The public hearing was also attended by Councilors Jose Netu Tamayo, Karlos Teyna and Jeslito Seen, City Planning and Development Officer James Fernandez, City Legal Officer Aurora Valle, Lt. Col. Reynaldo Ginbrada of the Dagupan City Police Office and Vice Mayor Bryan Kua. (Leonard Micua)