Dagupan City authorities will tighten monitoring of illegal tricycles, overloading, and overcharging as classes open on Monday, June 8, 2026, amid fears that unregistered vehicles may return to the streets.

The Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) said it will focus enforcement efforts on so-called “kolorum” tricycles, which are expected to increase as demand for transport rises at the start of the school year.

Arvin Decano, head of the Dagupan City Public Order and Safety Office, said legal operators are already struggling with rising fuel costs.

“Mga kolorum. Kasi alam po natin ‘yung mga may prangkisa, hirap na hirap sila dahil sa taas ng gasolina, and then makikisabay pa ang mga kolorum,” he said.

POSO data showed there are about 2,650 tricycles operating legally in Dagupan City. The office said it caught around 300 illegal tricycles last year.

Officials said arrests have dropped in 2026 with as few as three illegal tricycles now being caught daily, but warned numbers could rise again during the school opening.

POSO advised operators to secure proper franchises to avoid penalties, noting that fines can reach 5,000 pesos for illegal operation.

The office also reiterated its strict policy against overloading, stressing that only five passengers, including the driver, are allowed per tricycle.

“Overloading, doon tayo naghihigpit. Hindi po puwede ‘yan. Ilang beses na ho kaming nanghuhuli ng overloading,” Decano said.

Leaders of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) in Dagupan supported the crackdown, saying passenger safety should be prioritized.

Jessie Galvan, president of the Tricycle Alliance of Dagupan City Inc., also reminded drivers not to overcharge and to follow official fare rules, especially for students.

“Sana huwag natin samantalahin ‘yung mga estudyante. Maningil lang tayo ng tama. Alam naman natin, sa hirap din ng buhay, maging patas tayo sa mga pasahero,” Galvan said.

Authorities said they will maintain visibility operations throughout the school opening period to ensure compliance and protect commuters.