Cogon Pardo bars ‘unhygienic’ drivers

CEBU, Philippines — A barangay in Cebu City has barred e-bike and tri-sikad drivers without proper grooming and hygiene.

Earlier this week, e-bike and trisikad drivers of Cogon Pardo met with Barangay Captain Harry Eran concerning this matter as reported by the city’s Public Information Office.

It was agreed that those who have not taken a bath, brushed their teeth, changed clothes and, worse, not wearing shirt will not be allowed to drive.

Drunk-driving and smoking while driving is also a no-no.

Aside from that, it was also agreed, that only drivers 18-above residing in the barangay can take passengers in the area.

For proper identification, they should wear ID as members of the Cogon Pardo Sikad and E-bike Drivers Association (COPASEDA) and wear their uniform sweatshirts every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Parking at the barangay hall is also not allowed.

The minimum fare for e-bikes is pegged at P15 for regular commuters and only P10 for students as agreed.

Passengers who have complaints to the e-bike drivers are encouraged to blotter the incident for proper action. If found to have other violations and complaints, they will no longer be given certification from the barangay.

For Eran, doing this will make operations smoother and safer.

“Dako (ang) atong kalipay nga nagmalampuson gyud ang atong gipatawag nga meeting…Daghan kaayong salamat sa inyong kooperasyon,” Eran said.

Whatever was agreed will be strictly monitored accordingly while those who object to what had been agreed will have their membership with COPASEDA revoked.

Earlier, Barangay Pooc in Talisay City barred e-bike and tricycle drivers without proper hygiene and grooming. — GMR (FREEMAN)