ISKO LIFTS BAN ON E-TRIKES, SETS SOME CONDITIONS
E-tricycles will return to the streets of Manila today after Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso lifted the ban on their operations on several conditions.
A total of 280 e-trikes were recalled by City Hall on Thursday after the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority categorized the battery-operated vehicles as “toys” that should not be allowed on public roads.
In addition, the e-trikes were not issued a franchise by the city council, meaning these did not undergo inspection.
During a dialogue with etricycle drivers at City Hall on Monday, Domagoso set some conditions for lifting the ban.
“My personal request is that you do not [pass] through main thoroughfares. You can cross, but [ follow] the stoplight. Don’t go to the Mabuhay Lanes. Your livelihood will continue, but this privilege comes with responsibilities,” he said.
According to him, e-trikes that ply major roads take away passengers from public jeepneys that had to secure a transport franchise before being allowed to operate.
Domagoso also told the drivers to organize themselves into a group and elect their officials. They must also secure a franchise and register themselves with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Drivers should also get an insurance policy, follow traffic rules and make sure that their passengers would be safe, he added.
Domagoso also lowered the daily boundary for e-trike drivers from P150 to P100, a move that was welcomed with cheers.