Tricycles may now resume their operations as quarantine restrictions relax in Metro Manila cities. The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) recently put Metro Manila under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) which allowed some non-leisure businesses to open.
The transition into MECQ brought good fortune to tricycle drivers in Pasig City and Marikina City who are now permitted to go back to the roads. It was Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto who announced the exciting news on his Twitter account.
“Good news! Inaprubahan na ng DILG ang Pasig LGU guidelines para sa operations ng mga tricycle!” Sotto exclaimed in his tweet.
[Good news! The DILG has approved the Pasig LGU guidelines for the operations of tricycles!]
Guidelines for the resumption of tricycle transport in Pasig City was also posted by the mayor for the tricycle drivers, operators, and riding public to follow.
- Only one passenger will be allowed to ride a tricycle, but an individual who needs to seek medical attention, will be permitted to be accompanied by one other person;
- A barrier must be installed between the passenger and the driver;
- And tricycle units must be disinfected at least twice a day. The city government committed to providing disinfectants to tricycle operators.
Private tricycles are also permitted to travel provided that they will post a “Not for hire” signage. The same set of guidelines must be adhered to by private tricycles.
Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro of Marikina City also signed Executive Order 21, Series of 2020 on Saturday, allowing the operations of tricycles and pedicabs in the city beginning Sunday.
“Recognizing the need of our tricycle and pedicab drivers to get back to work, their transport operation shall be allowed to resume beginning tomorrow,” the city government’s public information office said on its official Facebook page.
Like Pasig City, only one passenger will be allowed to ride a tricycle and pedicab in Marikina. Social distancing must also be strictly observed following the guidelines of MECQ, while wearing protective masks.
The local government of Marikina will also be conducting rapid tests for tricycle and pedicab drivers for free to ensure their health and safety before resuming operations.
