Trike franchise renewal in full swing

THE City Government’s franchise renewal is in full swing for motorized tricycles operating in Zamboanga City.

The Tricycle Adjudication Board (TAB) has been ordered to work even on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to accommodate tricycle operators and owners.

The TAB holds office at the City Legal Office at the second floor of City Hall.

Since last week, owners of tricycles have flooded the TAB to beat the January 20 deadline set under the law

TAB records show there are over 7,000 tricycles operating in Zamboanga City and over 4,019 units have renewed franchises and paid corresponding franchise fees as of November 7.

The TAB advises all tricycle operators to renew their franchises on or before the deadline to avoid inconvenience and the payment of penalties and other sanctions.

The TAB encourages the riding public to formally file complaints against erring tricycle operators/drivers to prevent repetition of such malpractices.

The complaints that include overcharging, abuse of authority, refusal to ferry passengers and others may be filed with the TAB office.

The TAB is the body tasked to supervise the motorized tricycle sector in the city based on Ordinance 185 otherwise known as “An Ordinance prescribing the operation of Tricycles and Granting Franchise for the Operation Thereof within the Territorial Jurisdiction of the City of Zamboanga.” – Bong Garcia

Meanwhile, the City Government has not granted new franchises but only renewing the permits issued as of 2002. (Bong Garcia/Sunnex)