By Allysa Nievera
After Mayor Isko Moreno Damogoso's pronouncement that he will ban e-tricycles in Manila roads, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Richmund de Leon buttressed this order, saying that there is already a memorandum circular that was issued by the agency prohibiting tricycle operation on national roads.
Department of Transportation (MANILA BULLETIN)
“Joint Memorandum Circular 001 Series of 2017 of the DOTr and the DILG expressly states that ‘tricycle operation should only be confined along city or municipal roads, not along national roads, and is limited only to routes not traversed by higher modes of public transport’,” he said.
De Leon said that e-bikes were also prohibited on national roads as per the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
He said that DOTR will remain willing and ready to assist Manila regarding its public transportation system.
“As the DOTr recognizes the full authority of Mayor Isko to cancel the franchises of e-tricycles in his city, we shall remain willing and ready to assist the City of Manila in rationalizing its public transportation system to improve the commuting experience of the public through enhanced mobility and connectivity,” Usec. de Leon said.
In 2018, the Department of Energy (DOE) donated 200 units of e-trikes in Boracay, to help in improving environment-friendly transportation in resort areas in the island, and not on national roads.
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