Tricycle drivers in Dagupan City are pushing for a P25 minimum fare, citing rising fuel prices and fixed rates since 2013.
The current minimum fare of P10 was set when gasoline prices ranged from P28 to P33 per liter.
Now, with gasoline costing up to P60 per liter, drivers and transport groups believe the fare increase is justified and long overdue.
“Mahal ang gasolina tapos mababa ang pasahe,” Marlon Ortegero, a tricycle driver, said.
The Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) supports the fare hike petition.
POSO Chief Arvin Decano said a study conducted in 2023 compared fare matrices in areas nearby like San Fernando City, La Union, Urdaneta, Binmaley, Lingayen, and Calasiao.
“Galing kami sa San Fernando City, La Union, sa Urdaneta, Binmaley, Lingayen, Calasiao para makita ang fare matrix nila doon. Nakita natin ang pagkakaiba ng pasahe,” Decano said.
While some passengers sympathize with the tricycle drivers, they appeal for a reasonable increase.
“Tamang pasahe lang kasi kawawa din kaming pasahero at mga estudyante,” Lorna Guiling, a daily commuter, said.
“Bababa ng P3 ang gasolina pero [maya't maya'y] tataas ng P5, kaya talagang hindi na bumababa pa ang gasolina,” Decano said.
The petition has been submitted to the City Administrator’s Office and forwarded to the City Council for deliberation.