Pedicab drivers in Manila oppose e-tryke launch

Drivers of pedicabs marched toward Manila City Hall on Monday to oppose the launch in November of the e-tryke and the eventual phasing out of their vehicles, a report on News To Go said.

The drivers complained that they will lose their livelihood, GMA News' Mark Salazar reported.

The Manila City Hall said the launching of the e-tryke will help solve the traffic and pollution problems in the city.

The e-tryke program is set to be launched in November in Binondo, Ermita, and Tondo. 

Charging stations will be set up in time for the launch.

The e-tryke program will be handled by the Manila City Hall.

Authorities said they offered pedicab drivers the option to apply as e-tryke drivers but they declined.

Pedicab drivers said it was not clear how much they will earn if they drive the e-trykes.

Drivers earn about P400 to P500 daily with a pedicab.

The pedicab drivers also said they only use inner roads, and thus they do not cause traffic. 

Their vehicles also do not emit smoke, they added, thus they do not contribute to air pollution.

There are 30,000 pedicab and tricycle drivers in Manila according to the Pagkakaisa ng Three-Wheel Organization para sa Kabuhayan (PATOK).

The drivers are hoping to have a dialogue with Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Monday.

However, police stopped them on Taft Avenue on their way to Manila City Hall. —KG, GMA News