ZAMBOANGA CITY – The city government has intensified its campaign against overcharging and abusive tricycle drivers, a perennial problem which has affected the tourism industry here.

The City Administrator’s Office has set up a Tricycle Complaint Desk manned by a dedicated team to receive complaints from affected motorists. The team will handle complaints received via telephone and through their social media page.
Desks were also set up in malls and other locations to monitor tricycle operations in crowded areas.
Five tricycle drivers were apprehended this week for violation of Ordinance 185 prescribing the operation of tricycles in this city.
Violators were called to the Zamboanga City Hall for preliminary hearings and turned over to the Tricycle Adjudication Board for appropriate action.
Tricycle drivers have charged motorists up to five times the fare recommended in the tricycle fare matrix.
Some visitors here have also complained about high fares charged by local tricycle drivers.
Fines for overcharging and refusal to convey passengers amount to P4,000 for the first offense under the tricycle ordinance. Erring drivers and operators also face cancellation of their certificate of public convenience.