AMID THE ongoing transition to regular onsite classes, the University reinstated the tricycle terminal near Gate 3.5 and Aretè last July 4 to offer community members and visitors a more accessible mode of transportation.

According to the Sanggunian, Sanggunian Administrative Affairs Chairperson Ivan Nabong, Campus Safety and Mobility Office (CSMO) Director Josephy Almosera, Office of Student Services Director Cholo Mallillin, and Loyola Heights and Loyola Pansol Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Associations (TODAs) representatives convened to discuss on-campus tricycle operations at the CSMO Conference Room last July 2.

While the reinstated terminal offers tricycle drivers the opportunity to serve more passengers, the drivers still worry about not earning enough given the few University members availing rides and the stagnant fares amid rising gas prices.

Adjustments to operations

In line with the reinstatement of the terminal, Nabong mentioned that all entering tricycle drivers must present their vaccination cards, as well as their driver’s licenses or any valid IDs.

Alternatively, tricycle drivers may bypass the latter requirement by presenting their gate pass sticker.  While some have stickers, those without may apply for one at the price of Php 300. However, these new stickers will only be issued starting July 18.

Nabong reiterated that tricycle drivers must comply with these requirements for the remainder of AY 2022-2023’s Intersession, which will end on July 28. Afterward, changes in the requirements will be subject to any future deliberations among the principal stakeholders, including the Sanggunian, University officials, and Loyola Heights and Loyola Pansol TODAs representatives.

Notably, the pre-pandemic tricycle fare price will be retained. Nabong explained that it stands at a base price of Php 30 and increases by Php 5 for every extra kilometer traveled. For students, the 20% discount is still applicable.

However, Nabong mentioned that the price fare matrix may still change based on discussions with the Loyola Heights and Loyola Pansol TODAs, as well as the Quezon City Local Government Unit’s guidance.

Continuing the discourse

Amid these changes, tricycle operator and driver Mandy Villegas mentioned concerns about the waning number of University members availing of tricycle rides.

“Ngayon kasi paghatid namin [sa loob ng University], wala kaming pasahero pabalik. Kaya siyempre, hindi gaya dati na pumasok ka noon, meron nang automatic [na pasahero] pabalik. Ngayon kasi wala, tapos ang mahal ng gasolina. […] Lugi ka na rin sa trenta. Hindi ka na papasok doon kapag trenta lang,” Villegas mentioned.

(Nowadays, we no longer have commuters on the way back after bringing passengers to the University. Of course, it is unlike before when there are automatic [commuters] on the way. There are none today and the gasoline prices are high. […] We’re at a loss at Php 30, you’re not supposed to enter the campus if it is just Php 30.)

Villegas lamented that reinstating more tricycle terminals on campus will lead to uneven workload—and pay—among him and his fellow tricycle drivers since the already limited passengers may line up in the different terminals.

Moving forward, Villegas recommended changes to the base fare, with the one-way path trip to the University being one of the important considerations.

In response to these woes, Nabong expressed, “We definitely understand our tricycle drivers’ sentiments. Of course, we also have to understand that fuel prices and the cost of day-to-day expenses are rising and these are part of their considerations. […] Any decision that will be made will include the sentiments and interests of all stakeholders involved.”

According to the Sanggunian, future meetings to discuss other relevant details on the matter will be held with the mentioned stakeholders. Nabong said that the dates and specific agenda for such are yet to be finalized. Regardless, he assured that they will explore adjustments to the price fare matrix.

ERRATUM: An earlier version of the article stated that Ivan Nabong is the Academic Affairs Chairperson, instead of the Sanggunian Administrative Affairs Chairperson. It has since been edited accordingly. We apologize for this oversight.