While tricycle operators’ group in Puerto Princesa expressed alarm on the presence of ride-hailing App and motorcycle-taxi operators, many commuters claim that these new players in the city’s transport sector provide the riding public with better alternative mode of transportation.
Based on the latest count, there are at least three motortaxi operators in this city: Backride, HatidSundo, and On the Way Palawan.
Joenil Manlavi observed that most students prefer motorcycle taxi in going to and from school. He narrated that tricycle drivers would usually tell their passengers that they need to wait for more passengers before proceeding to their destination.
“Sino ba naman kasi sasakay sa tricycle kung ikaw lang mag-isa sasakay tapos ang sabihin is mag-aantay muna saglit ng ibang pasahero para hindi sayang sa gas eh. Tsaka mas mura pamasahe sa motortaxi kaysa magsakay ka ng trike na ikaw lang mag-isa. Eh alam naman ng karamihan puro student sumasakay ng motorcycle taxi,” he said.
Renan Gabinete Nuas said that in a fast-growing city like Puerto Princesa, which is a highly urbanized city, the presence of motorcycle taxi is normal and inevitable.
Rhonz Pendon Comerciase urged his friends to download ride-hailing applications in their mobile phones and assured them that their fare is lower compared to tricycle.
JM Marie said that tricycles should not blame motorcycle taxi but rather they should reflect and contemplate why they are losing passengers.
“Sila nga isa lang kaya i-angkas unlike sa trike na 100 kita pagpuno sisiksik pa pasahero mapuno lang. Wag po puro reklamo isipin nyo po kung bakit nawawalan po kayo ng pasahero,” he said.
Mark Jason Teruel said that one of the reasons why commuters prefer motortaxi is because they only charge one passenger unlike some tricycles who are charging more than the fare.
“Mga trike driver kasi puro may third eye, nakakakita ng multo. Isa ka lang pero ang sinisingil pang dalawa o tatlo na pasahero. Kayo ngayon minumulto na kayo kasi wala na talagang pasahero sumasakay sa inyo,” he quipped.
While other commuters observed that overpriced minimum tricycle fares compel commuters to book motortaxi instead.
Couple Exequel and Gelyn Ustares who came from Roxas town to catch a flight to Manila said that they preferred riding in a motortaxi via mobile application because of its convenience and its cheaper compared to tricycles.
“Kung babalansehin mo mas mura sila at mas mamamahalan ka kung sasakay ka ng tricycle. Nagtanong tanong kami eh, kaya sa motortaxi kami,” Gelyn said.
Reynald, a sari-sari store owner said that in a city like Puerto Princesa where it is difficult to find tricycles, ride-hailing apps is a welcome development. He said that when he booked an appointment with Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on a specific time, it took him 22 minutes before being able to ride a tricycle in Sta. Monica.
“May mga dumadaan namang tricycle, kaso nagmamadali talaga ako papuntang PSA. Ang iba may mga sakay, ang iba naman hindi daw bumabyahe. Biruin mo mahigit 20 minutes akong nag-antay, parang walang tricycle. Napatanong ako, nasa isang city ba talaga ako?” Reynald said.
For some commuters who shared their insights, ride-hailing apps offer several benefits as an alternative transport option. They said that they prefer motortaxi because of its convenience, accessibility and safety features. They also provide on-demand transportation, often at a lower cost and with more privacy than traditional mode of transportation.
