Mandaue trike drivers want to go back to old routes

CEBU, Philippines — Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes said the tricycle routes in the city will remain the same as the COVID-19 virus is still lurking around the corner.

This was his reaction when some tricycle drivers in the city and members of the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator - Cebu conducted a rally in front of City Hall yesterday.

PISTON-Cebu president Greg Perez said tricycle drivers demanded for the city government to lift the scheme shortening tricycle routes.

“Angayan nga ibalik na gyud ni ang karaan nga rota kay nigamay na gyud ang income sa atong mga tricycle drivers tungod kay gipamub-an man sa siyudad ang rota,” Perez said.

Cortes in an interview said that this measure is in place as part of the health protocols.

It has been months since the city government has imposed shorter routes wherein some tricycles could no longer enter the city’s main roads.

However, despite the shortened route, the city government has imposed a fare of P25 per passenger from P8 but only one passenger is allowed to ride.

“Wala na nato gipasagdahan ang atong mga tricycle drivers. Gi-imposed na ang P25 fare per passenger pero dapat usa ra pud ang ilang pasahero because we want that livelihood will be sustained and lives will be protected amidst the pandemic,” the mayor said.

Cortes said that the city’s tricycle drivers were not left behind as they too received relief assistance.

Both parties agreed to have a dialogue to iron out this matter.

“Mao na among gusto nga makig-dialogue ang mga tricycle drivers sa mayor,” said Perez as the mayor invited them for a dialogue.

Cortes added that as COVID-19 cases in the city are rising, he urged the people not to be complacent as the city could no longer afford to go back to a much stricter quarantine status. — GMR (FREEMAN)