In Tuguegarao, trike drivers warned vs ‘speaking English’

Taking a tricycle is the fastest way to move around Tuguegarao City but residents and visitors alike are complaining about drivers charging high fare. —MELVIN GASCON

TUGUEGARAO CITY — The city government has warned tricycle drivers against “speaking English,” a reference to drivers who overcharge passengers, especially tourists.

Mayor Jefferson Soriano urged commuters to report to authorities any abuses committed by tricycle drivers, especially those who negotiate their fare when they take strangers.

Negotiated fees

Passengers are required to pay the P10 minimum rate for trips within the city. Students and passengers with disabilities are entitled to a 20-percent discount.

But some tricycle drivers have been known to “speak English,” a code for three types of negotiated fees.

“Double pay” means a passenger should agree to pay P20 for two people. Some agree to pay “capacity,” which means a rider pays the fare equal to five passengers, or about P50.

“Special” rates are negotiated fares, which can range from P50 to P200 for destinations that are outside the tricycle’s designated route or on trips taken at night.

Soriano urged commuters to pursue their complaints until erring tricycle drivers are sanctioned. “This will put an end to a handful of unscrupulous tricycle drivers who have painted a negative image of the city,” he said.

He made the call as about 10,000 athletes and officials are expected to troop to this city as host of this year’s Cagayan Valley regional athletic meet, a sports competition held annually by the Department of Education.

During the meet from Feb. 23 to March 3, delegates as well as spectators are expected to take public transportation to different sports venues in the city. —MELVIN GASCON