More than 100 modern Piaggo Ape units, three-wheeled vehicles with a similar design as the traditional motorela, will soon ply the streets of Tagbilaran City, Dauis and Panglao and offer ride-hailing services to the public.
The premium tricycle service will be offered through GrabTrike which is set to be launched in Bohol by ride-hailing giant Grab Philippines in March, said Jolly Aquino, assistant general manager of Tagbilaran-based Lockwheel Motors Corp., Grab’s exclusive Piaggo Ape dealer in the province.
“Karon February 26, mo-balik ang Grab Philippines diri para i-mapping ang Bohol. Tapos sa February 22, mag-conduct ta og seminars sa drivers na mo gamit og grab. By March 12, hopefully ma-launch na namo ang Grab Trike Premium diri sa Bohol,” Aquino said.
According to Aquino, the Euro-4 compliant vehicle which will be used by GrabTrike Premium can accommodate four to six persons.
It has a reverse gear and a built-in chassis—features a regular tricycle does not have.
“Transmission g’yud ang gapadagan sa iya, dili kadena. Mura na g’yud siya og sakyanan na four wheels,” said Aquino.
Grab will be partnering with local government units in rolling out the new service since tricycle franchises are under the supervision of LGUs.
The Tagbilaran City and Dauis governments have initially committed to make available 30 and 50 franchises, respectively. Panglao is also expected to provide more or less 50 franchises, Aquino said.
Minimum fare for the GrabTrike Premium is also for approval by the LGU.
While Aquino admitted that the new service will pose as a competition to regular tricycles, it also opens up new opportunities for drivers and operators.
Grab Philippines will initially offer its application services for free to GrabTrike operators, said Aquino.
“Walay single centavo ang mapadulong sa Grab for now kay gasugod pa man. So ilanggihatag og libre ilang serbisyo kay driver or operator pero in the long run, mo-kuha siguro si Grab og bahin gikan sa booking fee,” he added.
The operator meanwhile will pay a monthly installment of P6,800 for 48 months for the unit which will come with a smatphone. (A. Doydora)