ANTIPOLO CITY- Getting a tricycle ride has now become easier for residents of this capital city of Rizal Province, after the city government allowed the entry of a ride hailing service that provides convenience and ease of transport.
The move by the local government is meant to help the city’s tricycle drivers who are feeling the effects of the quarantine protocols on their livelihood, and the commuters tasked to buy essential goods for their family.
Commuters who need a tricycle ride may book one via the JoyRide PH mobile application, just like booking a taxi or a car ride.
At least 200 tricycle drivers, who were all affected by the quarantine protocols since the city and the rest of Luzon were placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), have been accredited by the private firm.
According to the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), tricycles are now allowed to operate on a one-passenger-per-tricycle basis and with health protocols strictly followed at all times, as the city and the rest of the province are now under general community quarantine (GCQ).
In their comments posted on the Antipolo City Government Facebook page, some netizens are hoping that the new tricycle ride hailing service will expand their service to other municipalities in the province.
Others are optimistic that the entry of the ride hailing service will eradicate fare overcharging by unscrupulous tricycle drivers.
Earlier, several members of the city’s association of tricycle drivers and operators turned to delivery services using their tricycles, while others opted to stay home and wait for government assistance.
Some tricycle drivers who have signed up with the tricycle hailing service app hope that their income will increase, as they now have the option to get passengers through the mobile app, especially during lean hours as commuters will book online at their convenience instead of going to a tricycle terminal to get a ride.
According to Joy Ride PH Vice President for Corporate Affairs Noli Eala, the pilot run of the tricycle ride hailing service started June 6, with a base fare of P40 as flag-down rate for the first kilometer, and P7.50 for every kilometer thereafter.