Tricycle operations in Dagupan City have dropped by about 40 percent as rising fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East continue to hit drivers’ income, a transport group said.

The Tricycle Alliance of Dagupan City, Incorporated (TRIAD), one of the largest TODA federations in the city, said many drivers have chosen not to operate as earnings no longer cover fuel costs.

“Kasi kung mag-iikot sila, talagang talo sila eh. Pero, masaya rin sila kasi walang traffic,” TRIAD president Jessie Galvan said.

TRIAD is composed of 37 TODAs with around 700 members.

Drivers said the situation worsened as schools closed, reducing the number of passengers.

“Wala nang pasok. Bawas pasahero. ‘Yung pila namin dito, ‘yung mabilis, naging isang oras bago ka makaalis,” Joemar Chan, president of GMA TODA, said.

Current fares remain at ₱30 for special trips or those from holding areas, and ₱20 for regular trips outside these zones.

Transport groups had sought a provisional ₱10 fare increase, but the local government did not approve the request.

Despite this, drivers said they understand the decision and urged fellow drivers not to overcharge passengers.

“’Wag na natin silang pagsamantalahan kasi lahat naman tayo apektado eh. ’Wag na kayong makipagtalo. Kung dadagdagan, okay. Kung hindi, pasensya,” Galvan said.

The city’s Public Order and Safety Office said it is closely monitoring tricycle drivers to prevent fare violations during the crisis.

“Binabantayan po natin sila. At wala pa pong taas-pasahe. At tinututukan po natin,” Deputy POSO chief Rexon De Vera said.

“At hindi naman po tumitigil ang gobyerno natin sa Dagupan para mabigyan sila ng konting tulong,” he added.