Council eyes e-trikes as public transport

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Council unanimously approved a resolution requesting the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) and the Tricycle Franchise Board to study the possibility of allowing electric tricycles as a mode of transport instead of fuel-powered units, amid rising fuel prices.

City Councilor Carlo Fortuna filed the resolution yesterday, April 6, 2026, during the regular session.

Fortuna clarified that they are not referring to smaller electric units that are usually apprehended by TEAM, but rather sturdier types such as the “bao-bao”, to ensure the safety of both passengers and drivers.

“Kana g’yung design for public transport nga e-trike,” said Fortuna.

Fortuna said the move is due to the continuous increase in fuel prices, which he noted are very unlikely to stabilize in the near future.

He added that this has a significant impact, such as higher fares and increased operating costs for public transport.

“Atong hatagan og alternative ang atong mga operators, kining mga nag-drive og tricycle,” said Fortuna.

Currently, under the city’s local law, only fuel-powered tricycles are allowed to operate.

He cited Boracay in Aklan, which has shifted 100% from fuel-powered tricycles to electric tricycles. He said this is something Mandaue City could study.

Fortuna said that once TEAM and the Tricycle Franchising Board conduct a study, and if drivers decide to shift from fuel-powered to electric tricycles, the regulations in Mandaue City will already be in place to govern their operations.

He emphasized, however, that the design of electric tricycles should be suited for public transportation.

Fortuna said that with proper regulations in place, the city can provide alternatives.

“If the present tricycle operators feel nga di na g’yud viable ang operating expenses sa tricycle using fuel, then perhaps they may decide to shift to e-tricycle,” said Fortuna.

He added that it’s better for the city to prepare so operators can eventually run electric tricycles in Mandaue City.

However, Fortuna said that whether fuel-powered or electric, existing laws on where these vehicles are allowed to operate will still apply.

“Kung di ka pwede molabang og highway, di gihapon pwede,” said Fortuna.

What is important, he said, is that if drivers decide to shift, the city will already be one step ahead, with an ordinance in place, including terms and conditions.

Earlier, TEAM head Hyll Retuya reiterated that electric bicycles (e-bikes) are prohibited, especially along major roads. He cited significant safety risks, particularly since these units are not duly registered.

Not in favor

For Ronald Tanalgo of Barangay Guizo, a fuel-fed tricycle driver and operator, he is not in favor of shifting to electric tricycles.

He said the most important thing the government should do is exert efforts and implement measures to lower fuel prices.

Tanalgo said that if fuel prices cannot be reduced immediately, at least fare rates should be adjusted in a way that benefits not only passengers but also drivers like him.

“Dili man mi kabuot nga kami-kami ra ang mopasaka, kami man sad ang delikado ana,” he said.

For now, the fare for his route remains at ?15, which he said has had a significant impact on his earnings. Where he used to net around ?700 a day, he now considers it fortunate if he earns ?500.

For now, he said he is okay with his fuel-powered unit and sees no need to shift to electric, as charging the e-trike would only add another problem. He added that fuel is still more reliable since they know how far they can travel, unlike using electricity where they may encounter unexpected issues. — (FREEMAN)