Manila unveils ‘e-trikes’

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada leads the launch of e-trikes in Sta. Mesa. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The city government of Manila on Saturday formally unveiled “e-trikes” or electronic tricycles that will soon traverse the streets of the Philippine capital.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada led the ceremonies launching the electronic and more eco-friendly version of the fuel-powered transport vehicle at the Stop & Shop complex in Sta. Mesa.

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Estrada said the e-trikes would not only promote an environment-friendly transport but also allow drivers to earn more, save on fuel costs, and eventually own the new vehicles through an amortization scheme.

“Alam kong lahat kayo ay naghahabol ng byahe para may ma-intrega kayo sa inyong mga operators ng boundary, at anuman ang matira, para naman sa mga pamilya ninyo. Ngayon, bibigyan natin ng solusyon ang mga problema ninyo. Bukod sa kikita na kayo nang maayos, makakatulong pa kayong bawasan ang polusyon sa ating lungsod,” Estrada told tricycle drivers in the event.

“Ito ang magiging kasagutan sa mga problema ninyo sa boundary, sa budget, at iba pa… Unang-una na, ang problema sa krudo na panay ang galaw ng presyo sa pandaigdigang merkado,” he added.

(I know that you are all working on making rounds to earn money to remit to your operators for boundary, and whatever is left, for your family. Now, we will provide a solution to your problem. Apart from earning relatively well, you will also help lessen pollution in the city.

This will be our solution to your problems on boundary, budget, and other…Primarily, the problem on oil is that its cost in the world market constantly changes.)

The Asian Development Bank provided loan to the Philippine government for the purchase of the vehicles, each costing around P480,000.

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City administrator Jojo Alcovendaz previously said in a statement that the e-trikes would be fielded first in tourist-popular Ermita and Malate areas.

He said the e-trikes, with electric units that need to be charged for just four to five hours for a whole-day run, run on gel-type batteries and reach a maximum speed of 45 kilometers.

Estrada said an e-trike was more spacious than an ordinary tricycle and can load up to six passengers.

“Walang siksikan ‘yan. Kumportable silang lahat, at walang banta ng disgrasya,” he said.

(No crowding. Everyone will ride comfortably, and there is no risk of accident.)

The local government is working on an amortization program for drivers who would want to acquire the e-trikes.

“Para sa inyong mga kukuha nitong e-trike, mabibigyan kayo ng apat na taong palugit para mabayaran ito. Bukod sa mawawala na ang gastos ninyo sa krudo, ang P150 na dating binibigay ninyo araw-araw sa inyong operator ang magiging hulog na ninyo. After four years, inyo na ang e-trike,” Estrada said.

(For those of you who will be availing of the e-trike, you will be given four years to pay. Aside from eliminating fuel costs, the P150 that you used to give to your operator daily will be your installment [for the e-trike]. After four years, the e-trike is yours.)

The launch was attended by officers and members of the Philippine Confederation of Drivers and Operators—Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (PCDO-ACTO). CDG