LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – Officials of the Laoag City’s 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod mull over the decision to increase the tricycle and kalesa fare in the city, following a petition filed by the tricycle operators and drivers organization.
 
Under the proposed city ordinance, which was passed on second reading on Tuesday, the regular fare for tricycles and kalesas will be P20.00 for the first 1.5 kilometers; an additional P3.00 for the second to fourth kilometer of the drive; and P5.00 will be added to the fare for the fifth and succeeding kilometers of the ride.
 
Students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) will get a 20% discount.
 
Children aged five to 12 years old will pay P10, with a minimum of two passengers per trip.
 
Lastly, children younger than five years old shall get free fare, provided that they are accompanied by another paying passenger.

Previously, the regular fare was P15 and the student’s fare was P11.
 
When the resolution will be approved on its third and final reading, the drivers will be directed to put up a fare guide inside the tricycle or kalesa to properly inform the passengers of the new fare prices.
 
The ordinance will be tackled again on Tuesday, April 4 by the 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Laoag.
 
Francisco Martin, federated president of the Tricycle Association of Laoag City, appealed to the riding public to be understanding of the possible fare increase because of the rising price of gasoline, motor parts, and other basic goods.

“Masaya kami na dininig ng Sangguniang Panlungsod ang aming appeal sa pagtaas ng pamasahe dahil matagal na namin itong dinidiin kasi tumataas pa rin ang mga bilihin, baka kami po ang malugi,” Martin said.
 
Further, Councilor Mikee Fariñas, chairperson of the Committee on Public Works, Transportation and Communication, explained that this ordinance was crafted to help the tricycle and kalesa drivers and operators to cope with the high price of petroleum products and other basic commodities.
 
“Sa mga tricycle drivers sa Laoag, sana ay i-maintain niyo ang disiplina sa kalsada para sa safety ninyo, ng pasahero niyo, at para na rin maiwasan ang mga disgrasya,” he added. (JCR/AMB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)