Plying tricycles on EDSA comes with jail time, fine –HPG chief

Highway Patrol Group director Chief Superintendent Arnold Gunnacao on Monday reminded tricycle drivers that operating along EDSA is a violation that comes with penalties of fine or jail time, or both.

 

At the #KasiTraffic Forum of IMReady and GMA News Online, Gunnacao said tricycles are prohibited from running on EDSA because of Ordinance No. 6 passed by the Metropolitan Manila Council, for implementation of local governments.

 

Gunnacao also said the MMDA ordinance bans tricycles and pedicabs "operating along national highways and main thoroughfares and limiting their operations on tertiary roads, barangays and subdivisions."

 

He said violation of this comes with a fine of P100 to P300, jail time of three to five days, or both.

 

He pointed out, however, that local government executives he talked to about the matter told him anecdotes of drivers breaking the rule anyway since passengers pay them up to P350.

 

"[Naikuwento sa akin ng isang] kapitan, 'yung mga tricycle du'n pumapayag mahuli kasi 'yung mga pasahero, magbabayad ng P350. 'Yung babayaran nila P100, so kumita pa siya ng P250," he said."

 

He added: "'Pag alam nilang puwede silang makulong, baka magbabago ang takbo niyan."

 

The HPG rolled out a new policy that prohibits tricycles and pedicabs along EDSA on Monday. 

 

Violators will have their vehicles impounded, to be redeemed with a fine amounting from P1,500 to P4,500.

 

Despite this, many trike drivers still ran on EDSA on Monday because of their passengers' demands and because they have no other livelihood.  — ELR, GMA News