Booking app for tricycles launched in Batangas

A ride-hailing service for tricycles called “Para Traysikel App” was recently launched in Lemery, Batangas, according to Saleema Refran's Tuesday report on “24 Oras.”

Just like most ride-hailing apps, passengers can book tricycle rides using their smartphones. Users only need input their pick-up and drop-off points and wait for the tricycle to arrive.

“The algorithm, the computor of the app, would compute for the exact fare every half kilometer. So wala po ‘yung feeling ng overcharging,” Para Traysikel Director Christopher Tengco explained further.

To ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers, a 4-digit confirmation pin will be provided to both parties to validate their identities.

Local officials welcomed the application's pilot run in Lemery.

“Ang DILG kasi may order na additional for the [road] clearing na tanggalin lahat ng mga tricycle driver sa highway. Ang thinking namin sa local government ay [para] hindi naman mahirapan ‘yung aming tricycle drivers na kung tatanggalin sila ay may option naman,” said Councilor Jacris Bello.

In order to become a Para Traysikel member, drivers will need to submit their documents to prove that they are allowed by the government to operate.

At present, Para Traysikel has around 2,500 registered drivers.

Drivers welcomed the launch of the application.

“Hindi na po kami umiikot-ikot ngayon para maghanap ng pasahero. Hindi na rin po kami nag-i-stay sa mga pilahan. Kahit po nasa bahay kami, puwede po kami doon maghintay na lang,” said tricycle driver Ramil Nungay.

However, others were not as keen on the idea.

“Dedelihensya pa ako ng pambili ng Android [phone],” one driver said. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News