E-trike drivers apprehended

CEBU, Philippines - Transport officials yesterday started apprehending electronic tricycles or e-tricycles plying in Talisay City, following reports that these vehicles are being operated without government permits.

Officials from the Law Enforcement Section of the Land Transportation Office-7 Operation Division led by Lee Everett Chuan chanced upon two e-tricycle units traveling in Barangay Poblacion yesterday morning.

They apprehended two drivers who were later identified as Julito Bejig of Barangay Mohon and Ricardo Lipasan of Barangay Dumlog.

Bejig and Lipasan were cited for two violations, one for driving without driver’s license and another for driving an unregistered vehicle.

Chuan said they carried out yesterday’s operation upon receiving information on the existence of e-tricycles in the city being reportedly used to transport passengers even without LTO registration. He added that other drivers scampered away upon sensing their arrival yesterday.

The group of ordinary tricycle drivers who witnessed the apprehension told The FREEMAN they were happy to see LTO acting on their complaints as it showed that the office is fair in implementing transport regulations.

“Kung mao nang sistemaha nga puwede ra sila nga dili morehistro ug molukat og prangkisa, aw mokuha nalang pud mi og ingon ana,” said one tricycle driver who requested anonymity.

City Councilor Valeriano Ylanan, head of the city’s traffic management arm, earlier convened e-tricycle drivers, including Lipasan, to discuss possible consequences of operating such vehicles without due approval from LTO.

During the meeting, e-trike drivers reportedly asked to be allowed to ply city streets until December while they process their registration.

But Lipasan said the meeting turned out futile since no LTO official was present.

Chuan, however, said their office is willing to attend any gathering with transport operators to brief them on all transport-related concerns.

Meanwhile, City Councilor Antonio  Bacaltos, welcomed yesterday the presence of e-trike in Talisay City, but said operators and drivers should first observe rules and regulations.

Bacaltos, who chairs the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, said the use of such non-smoke-belching vehicles will benefit the environment.

While he said e-trikes are a good alternative to ordinary tricycles that use gasoline, more consultations should have first been done before they are allowed to ply routes.

Introduced by Racal Motorcycles Philippines, the e-tricycle is operated only when charged. It has the power to run up to 40 kph and can accommodate five to six passengers.

Boy Solera, area manager of Racal Motors, said they have released at least 50 units of e-tricycle in Talisay City alone.

To avoid facing future consequences, Chuan urged e-tricycle drivers to get their units registered first before operating them.

He said drivers should “pressure” the company that sells the units to secure the necessary permits first. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc of BANAT News