​​BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – The city of Butuan has started implementing its tricycle modernization program, dubbed “TRIsakay,” which officials claim is a pioneering attempt to modernize the operation of tricycles as public utility vehicles.

In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Eldie N. David, public relations officer of the City Transportation and Traffic Management Division (CTTMD), said the program was adopted from the same framework used by the national government in the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. 

“For this year, 25 percent of the tricycle franchise operators will be converted from individual to cooperative or association, which is patterned after the program of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on public utility vehicle modernization (PUVM).”

“TRIsakay offers a six-seater electric or fuel-based tricycle unit that passed at least the Euro 3 standard emission with a better brake system, improved stability, comfortable seating capacity, efficiency, and cost-saving travel time, among others,” David said.

In 2025, conversion will expand to 50 percent and increase to 75 percent in 2026. Full implementation of the TRIsakay and adherence to tricycle modernization will happen in 2027.

David highlighted the CTTMD’s focused efforts  in 2023, ensuring strong information drive and collaboration with drivers, operators, commuters, and stakeholders through a series of public and multi-sectoral consultations, clarificatory meetings, media briefings, and press conferences to clearly deliver the objectives of the program and address any gaps and challenges.

Aljun, a tricycle driver from Barangay San Vicente, expressed his full support for TRIsakay in the modern tricycle roadshow in Butuan City on Feb. 14, as part of the program’s kick-off activity.

“Nakasabot ko ngano kinahanglan nato nga ilisan na ang atong mga tricycle units kay daan na kini ug dili pod safety ang driver ug pasahero. Masmaayo sad nga kami nga maga driver madumala sa isa ka cooperatiba kay mashapsay ang amo mga transaksyon,” Plaza said.

(I understand why we need to change our tricycle units because they are old and the units are not safe for drivers and passengers. It’s also better that we will be managed by a cooperative as it is more orderly in our transactions.)

“Kadaghanan sa amoa dili man ka-afford ug palit ug cash nga brand new (since most of us cannot afford to pay in cash for a brand new unit), we just want the local government to help us transition smoothly in this tricycle modernization program and will not leave us behind,” he added.

The City Transportation and Traffic Management Division of Butuan City dedicated the year 2023 to the massive rollout and cascading of the programs to all drivers and operators in the city to guarantee their awareness and preparedness for the program implementation in 2024. Commuters' participation was also considered in all engagements. Photo courtesy of Tricycle Modernization Program.

Maria Kristina E. Cassion, head of the CTTMD, thanked the transport partners for their commitment to support the program, stating, “We acknowledge the integral role of the tricycles in the transportation system as the first and last mile for commuters.”

Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada said, “The tricycle modernization program will not remove the livelihood and income of the drivers; rather, this program will improve their lives and the services that we give to the public.”

As the first in the country, the TRIsakay will propel and deliver its long-term goal of supporting a smart Butuan City and achieve zero-emissions by the year 2050. (RLE/PIA-Caraga)