Tricycles back on the road as lockdown protocols eased

MANILA, Philippines — After lockdown protocols were relaxed under the modified enhanced community quarantine, tricycles started transporting passengers in Pasig City yesterday.

The city government said tricycle drivers are required to disinfect their vehicles twice a day. City hall will give them free disinfectants.

A tricycle is allowed to transport only one passenger per trip. In case of a medical emergency, the city will allow a backrider to assist the patient.

Tricycle drivers are also mandated to implement physical distancing measure. Drivers and passengers should be separated with a plastic barrier.

“Tricycles will be a big help for the city residents,” Mayor Vico Sotto said.

Tricycles, pedicabs and e-trikes in Malabon are now allowed to ply the streets provided they observe social distancing measures and transport limited passengers.

City public information chief Bong Padua said fares would be increased to P15 and an additional P2 for succeeding kilometers for e-trikes and P15 and additional P1 for succeeding kilometers for tricycles and pedicabs.

Tricycles had been allowed to operate in Caloocan, Valenzuela and Navotas.

In Mandaluyong, over 500 tricycle drivers underwent rapid testing yesterday.

Mayor Menchie Abalos said drivers who refused to undergo testing would not be allowed to operate.