Commuters in Dagupan City will have to prepare for higher transport costs as the city government approved a new tricycle fare matrix that raises the minimum fare to ₱30 beginning January 2026, the first fare adjustment since 2019.

The Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) said the adjustment follows public consultations and a review of rising fuel expenses.

“Sa mga nakaparada, ₱30 ang minimum kapag isa lang ang pasahero; ₱25 each kapag dalawa ang sakay, habang ₱20 each naman kapag tatlo na ang nakasakay,” Arvin Decano, chief of POSO Dagupan City, said.

Tricycle drivers welcomed the fare increase, saying it will help them cope with the rising cost of fuel.

“Okey na ‘yung ₱30. Sabagay, kung dalawa naman sila, sila na bahala magbigay,” Wilmar Calbaron, a tricycle driver, said.

But for students like Xeena Ibe, the new fare is too heavy a burden.

“Mabigat po kasi ‘yung pamasahe. Eh, siyempre, bilang estudyante, maraming bayarin sa school kaya hindi na po namin kinakaya kapag mataas ang singil sa tricycle,” she said.

POSO noted that the last tricycle fare increase in the city was in 2019, when fuel prices were much lower. Officials added that Dagupan’s new fare is now comparable to rates in nearby cities and first-class municipalities in Pangasinan.

Decano also assured the public that enforcement will be strict.

“Sa tingin ko naman makatarungan na ‘yun na pasahe. Babantayan din namin ang mga colorum,” he said.

The new fare matrix will be posted and distributed to ensure drivers and passengers are properly informed before the January rollout.