Talisay to go after ‘choosy’ tricycle drivers

CEBU, Philippines - Tricycle drivers in Talisay City who select their passengers will now be apprehended, the head of the City of Talisay-Traffic Operation Development Authority said.

CT-TODA head, retired general Hiram Benatiro, said this will now be the rule after his office received reports of passengers being denied by tricycle drivers, especially elementary students.

He particularly cited an incident last week wherein a grade three pupil was reportedly not able to ride a tricycle for home until evening because drivers, apparently wary of passengers who only pay P3 as fare, denied her/him a ride.

"Molikay sila, tan-aw nga mura'g dili kabayad," said Benatiro.

But just like taxi drivers, tricycle drivers cannot choose their passengers, Benatiro said.

"The only reason siguro dili sila kapasakay kay naa'y kasabot nga adtoon. That is the usual reason sa mga driver," he said.

He added that provisions under Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code are also stated in the traffic code of Talisay City.

Benatiro, however, clarified that if the driver has a concrete reason for denying a waiting passenger, he will not be arrested.   He then urged Talisaynons to report erring drivers for their immediate apprehension.

"I-identify ang tricycle, kuhaon ba ron ang plate number, para atong tawagan ang driver. Kinahanglan hatagan sad sila og due process og nganung nibalibad sila," the official said.

If proven, the driver may risk losing his license or his vehicle's franchise as possible sanction.

Meanwhile, Benatiro urged those tricycle drivers who are yet to register their vehicles to go to their office and process their franchise.

It was reported that of the around 4,000 tricycles running in the city, only 1,000 are registered in their office with franchise, said Benatiro.

He said that it is also one of the causes of traffic congestion in the city. (FREEMAN)