Mandaluyong OKs tricycle operations

MANILA, Philippines — Mandaluyong will allow the limited operation of tricycles as the city transitioned into relaxed lockdown protocols under the modified enhanced community quarantine over the weekend.

The city council is set to approve today a fare matrix for tricycles, Mayor Carmelita Abalos said yesterday.

Abalos said tricycle drivers have to undergo rapid testing before they are allowed to transport passengers.

“Those who will test positive will undergo a confirmatory polymerase chain reaction or PCR testing in compliance with the protocols of the Department of Health,” she said.

The city public information office (PIO) said the local government set the guidelines for tricycle drivers and operators.

A tricycle will be allowed to transport only one passenger. Other measures are the installation of a plastic barrier between the driver and passenger and ban on back riding.

“The city council will be discussing the fare increase because only one passenger will be allowed per unit. The city government will see to it that the fare hike will be reasonable,” PIO chief Jimmy Isidro said.

Isidro said tricycle drivers would be required to wear face masks and gloves.

He said tricycle drivers would be allowed to ply the streets every other day.