Manila imposes color-coding system for pedicabs, tricycles

The city of Manila on Monday started implementing its color-coding scheme for pedicabs and tricycles, a local official said Friday.

In a phone interview with GMA News Online, the city's Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) director Carter Logica said they have ordered operators to paint their pedicabs and tricycles with the prescribed color for each district – for easy tracking of their routes.

Logica said the color codes are:

Drivers who will be caught plying outside their designated routes risk having their tricycle or pedicab impounded.

Also, Logica said the new scheme is expected to help improve traffic flow in the city, adding they have put up signs reminding the drivers of the new system.

A report on GMA News TV's "Unang Balita" quoted Michael Libag, a tricycle driver, as saying they should not be blamed for Manila's traffic woes.

"Hindi po totoo na kami ang nagdudulot ng traffic, sila lang siguro, mali lang ang pamamahala...," he said.

Elizabeth Garcia, also tricycle driver, said the new scheme has affected her daily income.

"'Yung kinikita namin dati, P1,500, mababa na iyon. Ngayon, P300 na ata, maghapon na 'yun," she said.

On the other hand, Sonny Saniapan, pedicab driver, vowed to follow the new rule.

"Sa amin po, okay lang, kasi iyon ho ang binigay na patakaran. Susunod po kami, pero sana huwag nilang kalimutan na huwag nila kami tanggalan ng hanap-buhay," he said. — Amanda Fernandez /LBG, GMA News