A LAWMAKER here said the proposed minimum fare for tricycles is being reviewed by the City Transport and Traffic Management Board for a study.
Councilor Luna Acosta told reporters on Tuesday after the Pulong Pulong sa Dabawenyo that there is a need to balance raising the minimum fare and the greater impact on the public.
“We are weighing the concerns of the TODA presidents with the concerns of the public as they might feel the sudden increase in the minimum fare,” Acosta said.
The councilor added there might be an increase, but not as much as the tricycle alliance would like, which is a minimum of P20.
“They suggested a P15 fare if the P20 is not possible, at least a P5 increase, that’s something we can consider,” she said.
Acosta said the price shock might affect the public, especially students, when classes return, and the regular workers will decide to walk rather than ride the tricycle, which will affect the transport sector more.
The CTTMO, with the committee on transportation and communication, is eyeing to provide P5,000 aid per registered motorcycle operator.
Acosta said operators are required to submit a valid permit and driver’s license to the CTTMO to be included on the list.
“We will prioritize those who have a license. Although we want to help everybody, we really have to prioritize legitimate operators, baka mamaya unahin natin ang colorum, pero yung legitimate pa ang hindi mabigyan,” she stressed.
The budget depends on the number of verified beneficiaries from the CTTMO and CSWDO.
The councilor clarified that this is a different assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s P5,000 cash relief assistance (CRA), culled from the AICS.
Instead, the subsidy will be sourced from the local funds. However, those DSWD beneficiaries are no longer eligible for assistance from the city government.
To note, the Davao City Tricycle Alliance has filed an urgent petition for a rate adjustment of 20 pesos as the new minimum fare due to the continued rise in gasoline prices during the council session on March 24, 2026.
The alliance is composed of members from District 2, covering 57 routes within their area.
Michael Ibañez, alliance chairperson and Mamay Transport Service Cooperative, said the drivers can no longer sustain operations under the current fare rate, which has remained unchanged since 2020.
On top of the P20 minimum fare, they requested an additional 5 pesos per kilometer, while still keeping the mandatory 20% fare discount for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and students.
