The City Traffic Management Office (CTMO) has intensified its apprehension operations against colorum and private tricycle units without displayed “not for hire” sign since Monday, February 17.
Allan Mabella, CTMO traffic operations officer, told Palawan Daily News (PDN) Friday this is to protect the privilege of tricycles with franchises and special permits in Puerto Princesa.
“Iyong isa talaga sa aim natin dito is itigil na talaga ‘yong operations ng mga colorum kasi talagang bawal sila ano. Kasi naagawan nga naman nila ‘yong ating mga may franchise na dapat ‘yon ‘yong mga nagke-cater talaga ng ating mga pasahero. So pinaigting po ito ni Sir [Richard] Ligad ‘yong ating operations starting Monday, pati ‘yong ating mga colorum na mga nakapila sa kanto ay talagang sinisita na rin na dapat ang mga nakapila doon ay ‘yong ating may franchise na rin,” said Mabella.
Mabella said 97 private tricycle units that did not display the required “not for hire” sign and colorum tricycles were already apprehended by the CTMO personnel just within five days of intensified operations.
He stated around 80 percent of those apprehended were colorum tricycles, while 20 percent were those private units that violated the required display of “not for hire” sign.
Mabella further stated they will all the more intensify their operations.
Mabella also reminded those involved in the illegal tricycle operations that CTMO will continuously do their work to stop them.
“Talagang paiigtingin pa rin namin at hindi titigil ang opisina ng City Traffic Management sa pagmo-monitor, hindi po titigil dahil sa nakahuli na kami eh titigil na. So talagang pati ‘yong monitoring ng mga areas na nadaanan na namin ay babalik at babalik kami doon para mag-check ulit,” said Mabella.