Nearly half of the 3,000 tricycles operating in Calasiao, Pangasinan lack proper permits, which prompted stricter enforcement by the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) to protect legitimate drivers.

According to POSO-Calasiao, enforcers have flagged down and fined 80 tricycle drivers since January 2025 for operating without a permit.

“Araw-araw naninita kami. Maliban sa market day, Lunes at Thursday,” said Bernard Mejia, POSO Calasiao Deputy Chief.

Some drivers claim they only use their tricycles for personal trips, such as taking their children to school.

However, enforcers would catch them later picking up passengers.

“Rason nila ganun. Mamaya, makikita mo, nandiyaan din nagpi-pickup ng pasahero,” Mejia said.

The Calasiao Downtown Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA), with 570 members, urged colorum tricycle owners to register their vehicles legally.

“Mga trike driver na kolorum po, mga may-ari, dapat po i-renew niyo,” Ricky Espinoza De Vera, President of Calasiao Downtown TODA, said.

Authorities said inspections will continue to protect legal tricycle operators and maintain order on the roads.

“Doon sa mga walang permit, mag-renew sila para fair sa mga may permit,” Mejia said.

POSO urges all tricycle owners to renew their permits to avoid penalties and ensure fair competition in Calasiao’s transport sector.