TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat (PIA) -- The city government of Tacurong is expecting an influx of applicants for a tricycle franchise following the approval of a city ordinance No. 22 which spells out regulations for tricycle operations in the city.

The ordinance aims to legalize the operations of tricycles plying the city thoroughfares, said Mayor Joseph George Lechonsito, adding that “it is high time we implemented the ordinance.”

He said he is expecting that the move will motivate drivers and operators to apply for a franchise and put a stop to the “unregulated increase” in the number of tricycles in the city.

As of December, the City Tricycle Franchising and Regulatory Board (CTFRB) had already granted 3-year franchises to some 5,000 tricycle operators and drivers.

Also, the city government has convened a team composed of representatives from the CTFRB, Philippine National Police, Joint Task Force Talakudong, Tacurong Civil Security Unit, and traffic enforcers to ensure that the ordinance will be implemented properly.

Lechonsito said that starting January 8, the city government has begun to check the franchise papers of tricycle units to curb illegal tricycle franchise holders operating in the city.

Failure to show appropriate documents will result in the impoundment of the unit and penalties ranging from P500 to P5,000.

The mayor maintained that the initiative is in the best interest of both the riding public and the legal tricycle franchise holders. He said their safety is the primary concern of the local government.

Lechonsito explained that over the years, the tricycle sector in the area has expressed concerns with the rise of illegal units, traffic accidents involving tricycles, and more families relying on tricycle operations for a living.

Meanwhile, the city government has released new franchise stickers, which are fraud-proof and embedded with QR codes to enhance tracking and verification.

It also advised commuters to be vigilant and not ride on tricycles illegally operating for precautionary measures, as well as to report them to the CTFRB.

The CTFRB has also called on tricycle operators and drivers to claim their Certificate of Franchise and 2023 sticker until January 22.

Unclaimed CoFs and stickers after January 22 will be revoked and opened for new applicants, it said.

For inquiries, interested individuals may call CTFRB hotline number 09067022562 or visit the City Legal Services Office for details. (ORVR – PIA Sultan Kudarat)