ILOILO City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) approved on Tuesday a P15 minimum fare in tricycles for the first two kilometers and an additional P1 for every succeeding kilometer.
This is an offshoot of the petition filed by the Metro Iloilo Association of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association for a fare increase.
According to Councilor Romel Duron, chairman of the SP Committee on Transportation, if two passengers want to occupied the tricycle, they will have to pay a P25 minimum fare each for the first two kilometers.
However, if there is only one passenger and he wants to occupy the tricycle, the minimum fare is P50 for the first two succeeding kilometers.
“At least may guide kita nga amo na ang basehan nila, nga indi sila mag-overcharging,” said Duron.
Duron earlier said one of the reasons for amending the over 20-year-old tricycle fare ordinance was because he received complaints from commuters regarding overpriced or non-uniform fare rates.
Regulation Ordinance No.00-143 approved in October 2000 set the regular tricycle fare at P3.50.
“Madugay na ni…ang last nga fare nga ginhatag naton sa ila is 20 years ago pa. That time ya ang gasoline was only P39 or P40 (per liter) or something. Subong P60 plus na,” Duron said.
The councilor, however, stressed the fare hike is just a temporary measure because once gasoline prices drop, the fare can also be lowered.
“Ma-committee hearing kita liwat nga ang fare i-reduce man,” said Duron.
The city councilor said the ordinance will take effect after publication in a newspaper of general circulation./PN
