The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in Tagbilaran City is planning to ban tricycles from operating within port premises and have shuttle buses transport boat passengers going in and out of the area instead.

The initiative is intended to address the agency’s perennial problem of errant tricycle drivers operating in the port area who overcharge passengers, said PPA manager Engr. James Gantalao.

According to Gantaloa, the PPA will request officials of fastcraft companies to provide buses to transport passengers going inside the city port and those leaving the area.

The PPA office on Wednesday summoned tricycle drivers and asked them to sign an agreement that would have their permits to operate revoked if another passenger airs a complaint on overcharging.

Gantalao admitted that he has become fed up with the rampant overcharging of tricycle drivers noting that rules and regulations inside the pier will now be strictly implemented.

Citing lack of personnel to apprehend erring tricycle drivers, Gantalao said that the initiative, which includes the ban on tricycles, is the most sensible measure to address the longstanding problem.

The PPA official also apologized in advance to tricycle drivers who have not committed violations but will be affected by the action because of errant drivers. (Allen Doydora)