Bohol — Tagbilaran City is poised for a significant shift in public transportation policy as the City Council gears up for a public hearing regarding a proposed ordinance to reduce the minimum tricycle fare. The hearing, scheduled for July 10, 2026, aims to gather essential feedback from residents, transport operators, and community stakeholders on a proposal to lower the minimum fare from its current P20 to P15 for the first kilometer. This legislative move, spearheaded by Councilor Leonides “Edi” Borja, seeks to move away from temporary resolutions toward a formal, stable city policy that balances the financial needs of local drivers with the economic realities faced by daily commuters.
Seeking Balance in Public Transportation
The current P20 fare was implemented earlier this year as a provisional measure to help drivers cope with the sudden surge in fuel prices caused by international conflicts in the Middle East. While this temporary relief was vital for preventing service disruptions, it has placed a considerable strain on the pockets of students, workers, and families who rely on tricycles as their primary mode of daily transit. Councilor Borja, who chairs the Committee on Public Utilities and Franchises, emphasized that the proposed ordinance is designed to create a more permanent and sustainable fare structure. By establishing this rate as an official city policy, the government hopes to eliminate the uncertainty of provisional adjustments and provide a predictable pricing model for both the transport sector and the riding public.
An Invitation to Civic Participation
The upcoming public hearing is the most critical step in the legislative process, providing a platform for the community to voice their concerns and recommendations. The City Council is urging a wide range of stakeholders—including representatives from local Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) and everyday commuters—to participate in the discussion at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall. This transparent, inclusive approach is intended to ensure that any final decision reflects a "just and equitable" compromise. City officials acknowledge that the transport sector is still recovering from the economic volatility of 2026, and they are committed to reviewing all data before proceeding to the final deliberation phase.
The Road Ahead for Transport Regulation
Beyond the immediate question of fare rates, this public hearing serves as a broader reflection of Tagbilaran City’s efforts to manage urban mobility in an era of fluctuating energy costs. The city has already taken steps to support the transport sector this year, including the distribution of government-backed fuel subsidies to nearly 3,000 registered tricycle drivers, ensuring that help is provided where it is needed most. As the council navigates the feedback from this hearing, the ultimate goal remains the maintenance of an affordable, efficient, and reliable public transport system. Whatever the outcome of the deliberations, the focus will remain on sustaining the livelihoods of drivers while protecting the economic welfare of the city’s residents.
