No new tricycle franchises in QC

The Quezon City government has declared a moratorium on the issuance and renewal of tricycle franchises pending a review of policies covering the operation of the more than 20,000 units in the city.

Manuel Sabalsa, deputy city administrator and chief of the Department of Public Order and Safety said the moratorium was in responses to a memorandum issued by Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. on the urgency to suspend the issuance and the renewal of franchises.

"There will be no additional issuance as well as renewal of tricycle franchises unit the order is lifted," Sabalsa told The STAR.

He said tricycles have contributed to traffic problems in some parts of the city, particularly at major intersections which have been converted into temporary terminals.

Sabalsa said that while the city government recognizes the need of tricycles in certain areas there is a need to rationalize and to draw up plans so that they will not contribute to the city’s traffic problems.

Tricycles, particularly those going beyond designated areas to major thoroughfares are also often involved in road accidents.

The city council, in response to the directive of the mayor, has approved an ordinance declaring a moratorium on the issuance and renewal of franchises.

Sabalsa said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will help draft rules that will govern the operation of tricycles in the city.

The Quezon City government is set to take over traffic duties and responsibility once the New Traffic Code takes effect next month.

Sabalsa said under the New Traffic Code, the local government will take over traffic-related apprehensions from the MMDA effective April 1.

"The city government will now have full responsibility in traffic enforcement and apprehension of traffic violators," Sabalsa said.