AN EXPLORATION OF TRICYCLE FARE OVERCHARGES

AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH TRANSPORTATION

ACCESSIBILITY FOR STUDENTS AND
LOW-INCOME WORKERS IN
DIGOS CITY

JOSH RYAN R. CABATINGAN

THESIS OUTLINED SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF

INSTITUTE
OF BUSINESS, EDUCATION AND GOVERNANCE, DAVAO DEL
SUR STATE COLLEGE, MATTI, DIGOS CITY
DAVAO DEL SUR IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT
OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE DEGREE OF

BACHELOR OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

NOVEMBER 2024

1
 Chapter I

THE PROBLEM AND IT’S BACKGROUND

INTRODUCTION

Overcharging tricycle fares is a prevalent concern in the

Philippines, particularly in cities where tricycles are a vital mode

of transportation. This problem affects a wide range of

individuals, including students, commuters, and those with

limited financial resources. While tricycle drivers often cite rising

fuel prices as a justification for higher fares, many passengers

feel that these increases are excessive and unfair. Sometimes,

drivers will overcharge customers who are rushing or

unfamiliar with the area.

Overcharging for tricycles is a common issue, particularly

affecting those with low income families. Drivers may

overcharge for various reasons, including increasing their

income, offsetting rising fuel costs, or taking advantage of

passengers who are unfamiliar with the area. The issue is

especially significant in urban areas with dense populations and

2
limited public transportation options. in India, tricycles are often

perceived as dangerous and polluting, contributing to a negative

public image that further discourages their use. In Indonesia,

research by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (2020) found

that tricycle drivers often overcharged customers by 30%,

highlighting the widespread nature of this problem.

In the Philippines, millions of Filipinos depend on the

tricycle, a recognizable form of transportation in the country, for

essential daily tasks, particularly in urban and rural regions

where access to transportation options may be limited. Despite

the fact that these three-wheeled vehicles are a practical way to

travel, there is an urgent problem that affects both passengers

and drivers: the frequency of overcharge fees. Tricycle

overcharging, in which the passenger are charged rates higher

than those required by law, has spread throughout the

Philippines. This problem not only affects passengers, who

frequently have to pay inflated charges, but also presents

difficulties for tricycle operators and drivers, who may

overcharge owing to different structural and economic issues.

3
Garcia (2017) asserts that one of the main causes of the

Philippines' tricycle overcharge problems is the weak

implementation of fare regulations.

In Digos City, the city is the capital city of province of

Davao del Sur, Philippines. Which has a booming tricycle mode of

transport that is an essential part of everyday life for its

individuals residing the area. Tricycle overcharge fees are a

recurring and worrying problem that hides underlying the

comfort and affordability of these three-wheeled vehicles. Both

the general population who commute and the tricycle drivers and

operators who depend on this method for transportation face

considerable challenges as a result of this situation, where

Passengers are charged fares over the established rates. There

was already an ordinance that regulates the fares of tricycles.

According to Digos City’s Committee on Transportation and

Franchising Regulatory Board (2016), tricycle drivers that will not

abide by the city ordinance will face cancellation of their

franchise.

4
 This study will evaluate the tricycle fare price in Digos city

on the basis of commuters’ perspective along with the

Demographic Profile of the respondents in terms of Age, Gender,

and Socioeconomic status, what are the experiences of

passengers in tricycle fare.

Objectives Of The Study

This study aims to determine the extent of overcharging in

tricycle fares and its impact on commuters, particularly students

and workers with low income in Digos City, Davao del Sur. It also

seeks to answer the following research questions:

1. Determine the extent of tricycle fare overcharging in terms of:

1.1 Age of passengers;

1.2 Gender; and

1.3 Socioeconomic status.

2. Determine the experiences of passengers in terms of:

2.1 Frequency of overcharging incidents;

2.2 Common causes of overcharging; and

5
 2.3 Awareness of fare regulations.

3. Assess the challenges passengers face due to overcharged

fares in terms of:

3.1 Financial burden; and

3.2 Accessibility of transportation.

4. Propose solutions to reduce overcharging and improve the

affordability of tricycle transportation in Digos City.

Significance Of The Study

The results of this study will be beneficial to the following

Community - This study will provide valuable insights to the

community of Digos City, especially in advocating for more

accessible and affordable transportation. By understanding the

extent of overcharging in tricycle fares, local leaders and

organizations can implement programs or initiatives to ensure

that transportation remains affordable for all, particularly for low-

income workers, students, and daily commuters.

6
Future Researchers - This study will serve as a foundation for

future research on transportation systems and pricing models in

urban and rural areas. It can be used as a reference to explore

the effects of overcharging in other cities or regions, and to

examine how transportation policies affect commuters’ access to

affordable travel.

Local Government Units (LGUs) - The findings of this study

will provide LGUs with evidence-based data regarding fare

overcharging practices. With this data, LGUs can develop or

strengthen ordinances, and strictly enforce regulations to

prevent tricycle drivers from overcharging, thus ensuring that the

public transportation system serves its purpose effectively.

Students - This study is crucial for students who rely on

affordable tricycle fares to commute to school daily. By

addressing the issue of overcharging, students will benefit from

fair pricing, which can ease their financial burden and allow them

to allocate resources to other academic needs.

7
Low-Income Workers - This study will highlight how

overcharging impacts the daily lives of low-income workers,

many of whom rely on tricycles as their primary means of

transportation. By promoting a more equitable fare system, low-

income workers will have better access to affordable

transportation, allowing them to commute to work without

unnecessary financial strain.

Tricycle Operators and Drivers - This study will shed light on

the economic and structural challenges faced by tricycle drivers,

helping policymakers and stakeholders to develop more

sustainable solutions for both drivers and passengers. With

proper regulation and support, tricycle drivers can earn a fair

income while ensuring that they do not resort to overcharging

their passengers.

Scope And Limitation Of The Study

The study will be conducted here in Digos City, Davao del

Sur. For the year (2024 -2025), the researcher will gather data

from commuters, specifically for students and low-income

8
workers, who regularly use tricycles as their primary mode of

transportation.

The information will be collected using a checklist-style,

researcher-made questionnaire. The study will focus on

determining the extent of overcharging in tricycle fares, and the

results will only apply to the participants of this study within

Digos City. This study will not be generalizable to other regions or

transportation systems outside the scope of tricycle services in

this city.

Definition Of Terms

To understand easily, the following terms were defined

operationally and conceptually:

Accessibility – conceptually, it refers to the ease with which

individual can access public transportation services/location

particularly tricycle. Operationally, the and convince of tricycle

availability, and convenience of tricycle services particularly for

those who rely on them for there daily commute

9
Age - Conceptually, it is the period of human life, usually marked

by a certain stage or degree of mental or physical development

and involving legal responsibility (Dictionary.com). In this study,

it refers to the total number of years the respondents live.

Affordable transportation – transportation that is accessible

and less cost for people with limited financial resources

Commuters – conceptually, people who travel regularly

between home, work and school or other destination.

Operationally, the participants of the study who rely on tricycle

for their daily commute

Fare barrier – conceptually, financial obstacle preventing

people to access affordable transportation. Operationally, a

tricycle fares make it difficult for students, families and low-

income worker’s to afford transformation

Financial burden – refers to the impact of overcharged fare on

the financial well-being of the students, families, and low-income

worker’s

10
Low-income worker’s – conceptually, people earning low

income or minimum wage earner and struggle to afford basic

necessities. Operationally, workers with limited financial

resources who rely on tricycle for transportation to their jobs

Overcharge – charging/demand a passenger a higher fare than

regular established rate

Students – conceptually, people who enrolled In an educational

institution. Operationally, students who rely on tricycles to

commute to school

Tricycle - conceptually, a three wheeled vehicle commonly used

as transportation in the Philippines. Operationally, the specific

type of transportation used by the respondents.

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

11
This chapter presents the local and foreign literatures and

studies beneficial to this present research works.

According to (Edwin T. Caoleng, 2023) Motorcycle with a

sidecar attached, commonly referred to as a "Tricycle," will assist

you in getting to your destination quickly. Tricycles are the

Philippines' second most popular mode of transportation. Except

on significant or main roadways, these tricycles can be seen

everywhere around the country. The tricycle is a Philippine mode

of transportation that is extremely handy in a variety of

situations. It is flexible, meaning it can change or be changed to

suit or operate better in a given environment or for a specific

purpose in both rural and urban settings

Additionally, (Guillen & Ishida, 2004, p. 58) Stated that the

tricycle is widely known as one of the most essential modes of

public transportation in the Philippines. Outside of the

Philippines, the tricycle is called “Rickshaws” in India or

“Tuktuks” in Thailand and is often used to transport people from

main roads to their respective destinations (Biona, Culaba, &

Purvis, 2007). Academicians, engineers, and even the

12
government are continuously engaged in the enhancement of

tricycle services, aiming to maximize passenger satisfaction

while also minimizing the risk of traffic accidents. The tricycle is

available in both rural and urban areas which are highly utilized

by people.

In addition, Motorcycle-Propelled Public Transport And Local

Policy Development– The Case Of “Tricycles” And “Habal-Habal”

In Davao City Philippines – Marie Danielle V. Guillen And Haruo

Ishida, Dr. assumes that motorcycle-propelled public transport

precedes the development of local public transport policy. Davao

City is chosen as the site for the case study since a wide

variation of motorcycle-innovations can be observed. Philippine

tricycle is classified as a motor vehicle composed of motorcycle

fitted with a single wheel sidecar or with a two-wheel cab,

operated as a public transport for a fee. An emerging mode, in

the form of motorcycle taxi known as “Habal-Habal” can also

be found. The policy response of eliminating “triciboat”

and the presence of private motorcycle credit facility led to the

emergence of informal and illegal modes like the “Habal-Habal”

13
and open-cab tricycles. Ma. Janice J. Gumasing (2014), Overall

Improvement for the Design of Motorized Tricycles in the

Philippines - An Ergonomic Study pointed out that motorized

tricycles is a common mean of passenger transport everywhere

in the Philippines, it is the most popular means of transport in

small town and cities, especially in the rural areas.

Tricycle fare Overcharging. Commuting in the

Philippines is very much a part of the Filipino lifestyle. Riding

motorized tricycles is a common mean of passenger transport

everywhere in the Philippines. Cabanatuan City: Tricycle

Capital of the Philippines Felipe E. Balaria April 2016 -

September 2016 stated that the tricycle industry in Cabanatuan

City located within the heart of the Province of Nueva Ecija, also

known as the “Tricycle Capital of the Philippines”. Tricycle units

were usually financed. Organization and management was very

simple. Majority used 4-stroke motor engine which was more

environment-friendly than two-stroke. Tricycle sidecar was

undersized and risky for passengers. Abuses were rampant as to

the fares charged to passengers, and often contracted to as high

14
as three-hundred percent or more Tricycle overcharge fare In the

Philippines, tricycles are a common form of transportation.

According to Reyes (2018) tricycles are often used for

short-distance travel, but because there is no oversight and

control, fee overcharging occurs frequently. Concluding that

despite existing fare matrix enforcement remain weak. Local

government unit (LGU) often lack the resources and personnel

monitor and regulate tricycle fares efficiently this lack of

enforcement leads to frequent overcharging, particularly during

rush hours or when passenger are unaware of the fare matrix,

(Reyes study empathize that while tricycles are convenient for

short- distance travel, there is a lack of accountability on the part

of drivers leading to rampant fare increasing), especially for

tourists or individual unfamiliar with local fare standards. Reyes

(2018) suggest LGU should invest in better monitoring system

such as mobile app or fare board in tricycle terminal to ensure

transparency in fare pricing, moreover drivers should be

incentivized to adhere to fare regulations through subsides or

other financial assistance programs that can offset their

15
operational costs without resorting to overcharge. Fuel prices,

vehicle maintenance cost and drivers financial needs are

commonly cited reasons for fare hikes. tricycle driver often justify

fare increasing by pointing to rising operational costs.

On the other hand, tricycle operators lack the bargaining

power to contest fare regulations set by the government, forcing

many to raise prices informally to meet financial needs. Garcia

(2017) highlighted that overcharging is exacerbated by poor fare

regulation enforcement. In her study on public transportation in

the Philippines, she found that fare overcharging is more

common in cities where ordinances regulating fares are either

not strictly implemented or where monitoring systems are

inefficient.

According to Garcia many passengers are unaware of their

rights and are often unable to contest the fare charged by

drivers. This situation creates more imbalance where drivers

have more control over the fare than the passenger, especially in

rural areas with limited alternative transportation options. Garcia

also suggested that cities should invest in improving other public

16
transportation, such as jeepneys or buses which may offer more

affordable and reliable services for low – income commuters.

Additionally, This can reduce dependency on tricycle and

create more competitive pubic transportation market, which may

in turn, reduce the frequency of overcharging. It has been

confirmed that pubic transport demand is affected by various

factors from socio-economic to supply factors. The latter includes

improving the level of service and altering pricing schemes.

Public transport pricing schemes can range from full economic

market price charging to a fully subsidized free of charge service.

Most public transport agencies opt for a middle-way, i.e., offering

a partly-subsidized service, where users finance the remaining

cost (Van Goeverdan et al. 2006). The impacts of pricing on

public transport usage have been investigated by a number of

meta-analysis of fare elasticity (Kremerset al. 2002; Pulley et al.

2006; Holmgren 2007).

In Addition, The value reported in the literature for fare

elasticity exercise large variations ranging from -0.009 to – 0.32

with a mean value of -0.38( Holmgren 2007). The frequently used

17
rule-of-thumb, Simpson-Curtin rule (1968), suggests that an

increase of 3% in fare reduces ridership by 1%. Like most rules-

of-thumb, this correlation can be used for a quick-and-rough

impact prediction but may be too simplistic for detailed planning

and behavioral impact modelling (Litman 2012). Pulley et

al. (2006) examined how fare elasticities depend on travel

mode, type of area, analysis horizon, type of fare change, current

fare levels as well as the specific local circumstances. Moreover,

fare elasticity depends on the magnitude, sign and time-span

of the fare change.

Chen et al. (2011) concluded that fare elasticity is

strongly asymmetric – passenger demand decreases in response

to an increase in price but the effect associated with a price

reduction is insignificant. Holmgren (2007) found that the long-

run fare elasticity was found significantly higher (in absolute

terms) than the static or short-run elasticity. This suggests that

travelers gradually adjust their travel behavior to price changes.

18
 Experience by passenger , passenger, particularly those

students and from low income backgrounds, bear the brunt fare

overcharging.

According to (Biona, culaba, purvis, 2007), the financial

strain caused by inflated tricycle is more acutely felt by daily

commuters, including students and low income worker’s, they

emphasized that fare overcharging can lead to significant

financial challenges for family, forcing them to allocate a large

portion of their income to transportation cost. Students often

face difficulties in affording daily tricycle rides to school which

can impact their attendance and Educational outcomes.

Ong et al. (2023) Also found that overcharging creates

barrier to transportation accessibility Passenger who rely on

tricycles for their daily commute are particularly vulnerable, as

there are often no affordable alternatives available. As a result,

tricycle fare Overcharging not only increase their financial

burden but also limits their access to essential services, such as

education and employment. Ong’s study further highlighted how

socioeconomic factors such as income level and awareness of

19
fare regulations- play a role in passenger ability to navigate and

challenge overcharging incidents Ong’s et al. (2023) Advocate for

greater passenger awareness of the fare regulations. Public

information campaign can help educate passenger on their rights

and the legal fare structures in the place enabling them to

contest overcharging when it occurs. Ong’s also recommend the

creation of a complaint system where passenger can report

incident of overcharging directly to (LGU), ensuring that reports

are followed up with appropriate action, such as fines or license

suspension for repeat offenders.

Moreover, overcharging in public transportation is not

limited to the Philippines. Similar issue are observed in other

southeast Asia countries where tricycle – like vehicle are

commonly used for public transportation. In Indonesia, study by

the Indonesian institute of science (2020) found that “becak”

drivers often overcharge passenger, especially tourists or non -

locals with price increases ranging from 20% to 50%. This

practice is attributed to the lack of fare regulations and the

20
informal nature of the transportation sector, similar to the

condition in the Philippines.

Furthermore, in India, where rickshaws function similar to

tricycle, issues of fare overcharging are also prevalent. Studies

shows that both rural and urban areas, rickshaws drivers often

overcharge passenger due to rising fuel cost, the absence of

clear fare matrix and lack of regulatory oversight (Gupta, 2019)

like tricycle drivers in the Philippines, rickshaws drivers in India

face similar economic pressures, leading them to increase fare

arbitrarily to make ends meet.

Awareness of fare regulation. Various type of public

transportation have been established to help people compensate

for the long hours of travel. However, in General Santos City,

mounting complaints by residents were acquired as a result of

the driver’s unregulated fare collection or overpricing of the fare.

Due to the enormous number of public transit vehicles, dishonest

drivers are inevitable. It has been a big issue in General Santos

City. Despite the implication of the new fare matrix or “maximum

allowable fare” implementation by the Executive Assistant of the

21
City Mayor’s office, (Atty. Donna Ann T. Balboa) There still drivers

that are just too cunning to change an elevated fare despite the

new fare matrix and fare regulation implemented by the

government

Public commuters, particularly employees, students and

the likes, face difficulties when riding utility vehicles since some

drivers disobey the Policy governing proper fare collection.

Typically, students constitute the majority of those victims of this

issue. They have had numerous experiences with drivers who

have overcharged them for transporting them from home to

school. As a result students’ allowances for their snacks and

lunch are affected. Commuters tend to spend more money on

transportation that usual and eventually run short of their

allowance. This also limits the mobility of the many to carry out

personal transaction to any establishments or government

agencies, thus delaying their desired output

On the other hand, for the business people who depend on

automobile transportation, a possible rise in the price of

commodities will likely happen. On the other hand, this incident

22
might also lessen their profit or gain as a public consumers

became limited. If this problem remains unresolved, it will lead to

other social issues as commodity price increase, low-income

families will suffer, especially those with many mouths to feed, in

the worst case, Children might stopped from schooling, peoples

mobility will be limited, personal and effective transaction will be

hampered and many more. Eventually, this established a

conflicting relationship between drivers and public commuters,

especially those of low income.

Transportation fare regulation is a crucial component of

urban mobility, aimed at ensuring that public transport services

remain affordable, especially for vulnerable sectors such as

students and low-income workers. However, a significant gap

exists in the awareness of these regulations among both drivers

and passengers.

According to Tisera et al. (2021), one of the primary

reasons for fare overcharging in public transport systems, such

as tricycles and jeepneys, is the lack of clear understanding or

dissemination of official fare structures. This lack of awareness

23
often results in discrepancies between the regulated fares and

the actual fares charged by drivers, leading to issues of

affordability, particularly for students and low-income

commuters.

For many students, tricycles are the most accessible form

of transport. However, a study by Delos Santos (2019) revealed

that a majority of student passengers are not fully informed

about the official fare rates set by local government units (LGUs).

This lack of information makes them more vulnerable to

overcharging. Similarly, Manalang and Flores (2020) found that

tricycle drivers themselves are often unaware of updated fare

regulations or unclear about how to apply these rules

consistently across different routes or during peak hours. In some

cases, drivers rely on perceived passenger capacity to determine

fares, which leads to inconsistent pricing.

Additionally, This issue of fare regulation awareness is

compounded by the absence of effective communication

channels between local authorities and the commuting public.

Studies indicate that fare rates are rarely posted in visible

24
locations, either on the vehicles themselves or in key transport

hubs, leaving students and drivers to negotiate fares verbally.

Without concrete knowledge of regulated rates, students and

other vulnerable groups are less likely to contest unfair charges,

further exacerbating transportation inequity (Cabrera, 2022).

In Addition, The situation is not unique to students; similar

trends have been observed among low-income workers who also

rely on tricycles for daily commutes. These workers, much like

students, often prioritize convenience over cost, assuming that

fare increases are a standard response to inflation or rising fuel

costs, rather than a violation of fare regulations (Garcia & Valerio,

2021). The lack of awareness among both drivers and

passengers regarding fare regulations ultimately leads to a cycle

of persistent overcharging, eroding trust in public transportation

systems and limiting access to affordable transportation options.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

25
This study aims to determine the extent of overcharging in

tricycle fare and its impact on commuters particularly, students

and workers with limited income in digos city Davao del sur. It

seeks to evaluate how demographic factors such as, age, gender

and socioeconomic status experiencing with overcharging, fare

as well as assets challenges faced by commuters due to these

practices.

In conducting this study, the researcher identified two sets

of variables: independent and dependent, the independent

variables are the age, gender and socioeconomic status and

awareness of fare regulations of the respondents. The dependent

variables on the other hand is the impact of fare overcharging on

commuters Which includes factors such as financial burden and

accessibility to transportation. Further analysis of the

independent variables will explore how they contribute to the

frequency and intensity of overcharging incidents and how they

influence the ability of the passenger to cope with or challenge

this overcharge. more importantly, these independent variables

are responsible for either increasing or decreasing the financial

26
strain on the commuters particularly students and workers with

limited income in the long run.

Independent variables

Dependent variables

 Age

 Gender

 Socioeconomic

status

27 Impact of fare
Overcharging on commuters

 Financial burden
 Accessibility to
 Figure 1. Conceptual framework of the study

Hypothesis

Ho1: there is no significant relationship between

socioeconomic status and tricycle fare overcharge in Digos

city

Ho2: there is no significant relationship between fare

regulation awareness and tricycle fare overcharge in Digos

city

28
 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the discussion on the research

locale , research design , respondent , sampling design and

29
 technique , instruments , data gathering procedure ,

statistical tools.

Research Locale

This study will carried out in digos city which located in the

province of Davao del sur Philippines, before it’s creation of

municipality digos was (barrio of Santa Cruz) Digos city

was founded in (July 19, 1949) and was officially declared

city on September 8, 2000 which was signed by former

president joseph Estrada on July 14, 2000, covering a land

area of approximately Two hundred eighty seven point ten

square meters (287.10) twenty eight thousand and seven

hundred ten hectares (28,710), the city divided into 26

barangays. according to 2020 census, digos city has a

population of about One hundred eighty eight thousand

and three hundred seventy six people (188,376),

representing diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

The city Public transportation systems plays a significant

role in it’s economic and social activities. Primarily the

30
overcharge fare experience by the commuters specifically

students and workers with limited income who used different

mode of transportation specially tricycle. In particular Digos city

has a robust tricycle system which formally introduced around

1986 as one of the primary means of short distance transport for

the residents and visitors.

Figure 2. Map of the Philippines highlighted Digos city, Del sur

Research Design

31
 This study will employ a descriptive–correlational research

design. Descriptive in determining the level of overcharging in

tricycle fare and how it affects the accessibility of affordable

transportation for daily commuters, particularly, students, and

low income worker’s. While correlation in exploring the

relationship between the independent variable Overcharge

Tricycle fare And the dependent variable Access to transportation

and its impact on students attendance and economic challenges

for the community.

Respondent of the study

The respondent of the study will be the regular tricycle

commuters, particularly students, low income worker’s in digos

city Davao del sur who rely on tricycles for their daily

transportation. These respondents are those currently facing

overcharging issues in tricycle fares, and they will be selected

based on their regular use of tricycle during the year 2024 –

2025. These selection of these participants will help to accurately

access to transportation and how this impacts their daily

routines, school attendance and financial strain.

32
 Sampling design and Techniques

The selection of the respondents will be determined

through the stratified random sampling techniques, which is

defined as a sampling method that divides a population into

smaller sub – groups called strata (Acharya et al., 2013). It also

enables Researcher to obtain a sample population that most

closely resembles the whole population under investigation

(Sharma, 2017). Given the specific objectives of the study such

technique is deemed appropriate.

Research instrument

The research instrument that will be use in this study will is

a checklist – style questionnaire, which will be administered to

selected tricycle commuters in digos city Davao del sur to assess

the impact of overcharged tricycle fares on their access to

affordable transportation. The adopted questionnaire for

33
overcharge Tricycle fare is from the study of (kristle R. Bacolod)

entitled as “ the effects of expensive tricycle fare in Antipolo city

The first part of the questionnaire will be collect the

respondents demographic information, including their

Name(Optional), Age, Gender, Occupation ,Monthly Family

Income, frequently of tricycle use, and typical distance travel.

This will provide insight into the profile of the respondents and

how different factors may influence their transportation choice

The second part of the questionnaire will consist of three

checklist table. The first table will be the commuters perspective

on overcharge tricycle fare, Second table will assess commuters

perception of fair fairness and overcharging, while the Third table

will evaluate how fare increases impact their access to

transportation particularly tricycle

To measure the perception of overcharged tricycle fare, the study

will use Likert scale With items answered on five points scale,

ranging from “Strongly agree” to “Strong disagree.”

34
 Scale Range Descriptive Interpretation

level

5 4.20 – 5.00 Strongly Strongly

agree perception of

overcharging

4 3.40 – 4. Agree Perception of

19 moderate fare

Overcharging

Neutral or

3 2.60 – 3.39 Undecided uncertain in

perception of

fare

overcharging

2 1.80 – 2.59 Disagree Little to no

perception of

35
 fare

overcharging

1 1.00 – Strongly No perception

1.79 disagree of fare

overcharging

Table 1

The following rating scale will be use interception of with fare

affordability and it’s effect on their ability to access essential

services, such as work, school and medical care.

Scale Range Descriptive Interpretation

level

5 4.20 – 5.00 Strongly agree Severe

negative

impact on

36
 access to

Affordable

transportation

4 3.40 – 4.19 Agree Significant

impact on

access to

transportation

3 2.60 – 3.39 Undecided Moderate

impact on

Transportation

access

Little impact on

2 1.80 – 2.59 Disagree transportation

access

37
 1 1.00 – Strongly No impact on

1.79 disagree transportation

access

Table 2

Data Gathering Procedure

The collection of the necessary data for the study will be Carried

out through the following procedures:

Before the conduct – first, preparation of the Research

Questionnaire. The survey questionnaire will be approved before it is

dispensed to the respondents of the research study. Survey

questionnaire will be used to ensure that we can reach out to those,

random selected students and income workers in digos city, Davao del

sur the research will ask permission from the Head of the Research and

Development of Davao del sur state college to conduct the study

entitled, “The Fare Barrier: How Overcharge Tricycle Fares Limit Access

to Affordable Transportation for Students and Low-Income Workers in

Digos City Davao del sur

38
During the conduct – second, regulations of the instrument.

The researcher will proceed in the planned survey. The

researcher will be reach out the respondents to answer the

questionnaire that was provide to them. The administration of

the survey questionnaire will be Carried out through face to face.

In preparation for encoding and data analysis, complete

questionnaire will be collected and compiled at the end of

gathering the data

After the conduct – third, at the completion of the survey, the

completed questionnaire will be encoded in a spreadsheet form,

was summarized and analyzed with appropriate statistical

technique. Result will be then produced, and conclusion and

recommendation based on the findings will be made.

Data analysis

The following statistical tool will be used to analyze the data, as

guided by the research objectives:

39
Weighed mean — this tool will be used to calculate the average

fare overcharge perceived by students and low – income worker’s

in digos city.

Standard deviation — this will measure the variability in the

fare overcharge experienced by the respondents.

Pearson r — this correlation coefficient will be utilized to

determine the relationship between the level of fare

Overcharging and it’s impact on the accessibility of

transportation

Ethical considerations

VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION. This study ensured that the

respondents will not be force to participate in this study. The

respondents were ensured that the respondents give it

wholeheartedly

INFORMED CONSENT. Prior to the data gathering procedure,

the respondents were asked to sign for consent which will signify

that the participation is voluntary.

40
ANONYMITY. The study ensured that no personal information,

identity, name or institution’s name was disclosed. The

respondents were treated with utmost Anonymity.

CONFIDENTIALITY. All the responses were treated with utmost

confidentiality. No specific responses from whom was disclosed

or mentioned specifically in the paper aside from the quantitative

data that was derived from the survey.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. after the interpretation of the

data, a computerized copy of the research paper was given to

the respondents so that they will have a chance to evaluate

themselves with regard to their performance

41
 Reference

Abana, E. C. (2019). Usability of “Traysi”: A Web Application for

Tricycle Commuters. International Journal of
Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 10(7).

Carmona, M., Eljaik, O., & Huertas, J. (2023). The energy

efficiency of autorickshaws in a coastal region of
Colombia. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and
Environment, 121,
103802.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2023.103802

Sakariya, P. M., & Prajapati, P. Connecting people–public

transportation via intermediate public transportation: case of
autorickshaw sector in Surat city. In i-Converge: Changing
Dimensions of the Built Environment (pp. 51-59). Routledge.

RAMILLANO, J., MUKARAM, W. K., HAYUDINI, R., LIMd, K.,

MENDOZA, M., BALADJI, F. S., & GUEVARA, G. A. Customer
Satisfaction Assessment Between Tricycles And Auto-rickshaws In
Zamboanga City Using Traditional And Modified Importance-
Performance Analysis.

42
Tipagornwong, C., & Figliozzi, M. (2014). Analysis of
competitiveness of freight tricycle delivery services in urban
areas. Transportation Research Record, 2410(1), 76-
84.HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.3141/2410-09

Ong, A. K. S., Prasetyo, Y. T., Lagura, F. C., Ramos, R. N., Sigua, K.

M., Villas, J. A., ... & Diaz, J. F. T. (2023). Determining tricycle
service quality and satisfaction in the Philippine urban areas: A
SERVQUAL approach. Cities, 137, 104339.
HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.1016/J.CITIES.2023.104339

Caoleng, E. T. (2024). Tricycle Fare Price in The Municipality of

Concepcion: A Commuters’ Perspective. Revista de Gestão Social
e Ambiental, 18(9), e06590-
e06590.HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.24857/RGSA.V18N9-07

Roschlau, M. W. (1985). Provincial public transport. Philippine

Studies, 431-458.https://www.jstor.org/stable/42633566

Harding, S. (2017). Regulating the last mile: paratransit in

Delhi (Doctoral dissertation, University of British Columbia).

Galyuon, C., Akparep, J. Y., & Sulemana, M. (2019). Challenges of

Tricycle Transportation Business and Their Effects on The Local
Economy of Wa Municipality, Ghana. ADRRI Journal
(Multidisciplinary), 28(6), 21-
41.HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.55058/ADRRIJ.V28I6.499

Ninomiya, S., Kato, H., & Diaz, C. E. D. (2017). Fare system of

urban public transportation services in Davao City,
Philippines. Transportation Research Record, 2652(1), 106-115.

https://doi.org/10.3141/2652-12

Guillen, M. D. V., & Ishida, H. (2004). Motorcycle-propelled public

transport and local policy development: the case of “Tricycles”

43
and “Habal-Habal” in Davao city Philippines. IATSS
research, 28(1), 56-66.

HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.1016/S0386-1112(14)60092-3

Rivera, R. L. K. Patok, Padyak, Pila-pila

Data, H., & Cass, N. S. (2003). Hidden Costs.

Tipagornwong, C., & Figliozzi, M. (2014). Analysis of

competitiveness of freight tricycle delivery services in urban
areas. Transportation Research Record, 2410(1), 76-84.

HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.3141/2410-09

Marcelo, J. S., Parco, E. G., & Golpere, K. L. (2021). Acceptability

of electric tricycle as a public transportation at bonifacio global
city: basis for its implementation. Int. J. Manag. Stud. Soc. Sci.
Res.(IJMSSSR), 3(2), 2582-0265.

Guno, C. S., Collera, A. A., & Agaton, C. B. (2021). Barriers and

drivers of transition to sustainable public transport in the
Philippines. World Electric Vehicle Journal, 12(1), 46.

HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.3390/WEVJ12010046

Gumasing, M. J. J., Prasetyo, Y. T., Ong, A. K. S., Persada, S. F., &

Nadlifatin, R. (2022). Analyzing the service quality of E-Trike
Operations: A new sustainable transportation infrastructure in
Metro Manila, Philippines. Infrastructures, 7(5), 69.

HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.3390/INFRASTRUCTURES7050069

Diaz, C. E. D., & Cal, P. C. (2005). Impacts of government

regulation on the sustainability of paratransit services in the
Philippines: Case of FX services between Manila city and Quezon
city. Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation
Studies, 6, 214-224.

44
HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.11175/EASTS.6.214

Sarsalejo, L. F. C., & Preclados, L. S. (2018). Comparative

Profitability Analysis of Electric Pedicab and Gasoline-Fuelled
Tricycles. Journal of Education and Human Resource
Development 6: 1–11.

Guillen, M. D. V., Ishida, H., Okamoto, N., & Tsutsumi, M. (2007).

Public transport policies and the road-based public transport
service in developing countries: The case of indigenous public
transport modes in Davao City, Philippines. In Proceedings of the
Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies Vol. 6 (The 7th
International Conference of Eastern Asia Society for
Transportation Studies, 2007) (pp. 18-18). Eastern Asia Society
for Transportation Studies.

HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.11175/EASTPRO.2007.0.18.0

Boquet, Y., & Boquet, Y. (2017). Transportation in the

Philippines. The Philippine Archipelago, 465-519.

Gota, S. (2014). Issues with Philippines road transport energy

consumption. Open Journal of Energy Efficiency, 2014.

HTTP://WWW.SCIRP.ORG/JOURNAL/PAPERINFORMATION.ASPX?
PAPERID=43602

TIGLAO, N. C. C., & VERGEL, K. N. (2007). Integrating

Environmentally Sustainable Transport And Metropolitan
Development Under A Decentralized Framework. In Proceedings
of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies Vol. 6 (The
7th International Conference of Eastern Asia Society for
Transportation Studies, 2007) (pp. 194-194). Eastern Asia Society
for Transportation Studies.

HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.11175/EASTPRO.2007.0.194.0

45
Kumarage, A. S., Bandara, M. S., & Munasinghe, D. (2009). An
Analysis of the Socio-Economic Aspects of Three Wheeler Market
as an Informal Public Transport (IPT) Mode; Moratuwa Case Study.

Afukaar, F., & Damsere-Derry, J. (2019). Facilitation Services for

Consultation on Motorcycles Operations in Ghana. CSIR-BRRI.

CLAUSE, I. S., & EFFECTIVITY, X. (2017). DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

AND EMPLOYMENT.

Detera, E. I. Z., & Hanbal, I. F. (2024). Development of a Utility

Vehicle Express System Framework Using Design Thinking
Process for the Province of Albay

Guillen, M. D. V., & Ishida, H. (2004). Motorcycle-propelled public

transport and local policy development: the case of “Tricycles”
and “Habal-Habal” in Davao city Philippines. IATSS
research, 28(1), 56-66.

HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.1016/S0386-1112(14)60092-3

Ghani, Z. A. (2024). FUEL PUMP PRICE INCREASE EFFECTS ON

TRAVEL BEHAVIOURS OF BAUCHI URBAN RESIDENTS,
NIGERIA. International Journal of Global Affairs, Research and
Development, 2(1), 196-209.

Ong, A. K. S., Prasetyo, Y. T., Lagura, F. C., Ramos, R. N., Sigua, K.

M., Villas, J. A., ... & Diaz, J. F. T. (2023). Determining tricycle
service quality and satisfaction in the Philippine urban areas: A
SERVQUAL approach. Cities, 137, 104339.

HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.1016/J.CITIES.2023.104339

Osoja, A. O., Olasokan, O. O., & Bonu, S. S. (2019). Effect of Keke

Napep (Tricycle) On Last Mile Transportation of Commuters In Ojo
Local Government Area Of Lagos. Nigeria, Glob Acad J Econ
Buss, 1, 43-50.

46
Chepchieng, J. K., KYALO, D. N., & MULWA, A. S. (2012). The
influence of urban transport policy on the growth of motorcycle
and tricycles in Kenya

HTTP://HDL.HANDLE.NET/11295/10124

Regidor, J. R. F., Ladaga, A. S., Latonero, G. S., & Avendaño, S.

(2017). A Study on Motorcycle Taxi Operations in Rural and Urban
Philippines. In Proceedings of the Eastern Asia Society for
Transportation Studies (Vol. 11).

Romero, S., Guillen, D., Cordova, L., & Gatarin, G. (2014). Land-
based transport governance in the philippines: focus on Metro
Manila. Inclusive Mobility Project, Quezon City, Ateneo School of
Government, Ateneo de Manila University.

Ninomiya, S., Kato, H., & Diaz, C. E. D. (2017). Fare system of

urban public transportation services in Davao City,
Philippines. Transportation Research Record, 2652(1), 106-115.

HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.3141/2652-12

Balaria, F. E., Pascual, M. P., Santos, M. D., Ortiz, A. F., Gabriel, A.

G., & Mangahas, T. L. S. (2017). Sustainability of e-trike as
alternative mode of public transportation system: The case of
Cabanatuan City, Philippines. Open Journal of Civil
Engineering, 7(3), 362-377.
HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.4236/OJCE.2017.73025

Part 1: Respondent’s Profile

47
Direction: Please put a check on the space provide for a supply

the information called for:

Name (optional) :____________________

Gender: Male __________ Female ___________

Age: 15 below ____

16-20 ____

21-25 ____

25-30 ____

30 above and above ____

Occupation: Student _____

Employed (Specify) _____

Self Employed _____

Unemployed _____

Others (Specify) ______

48
Monthly Family Income: ₱20,000 and Above ________

₱15,000 – ₱19,000 ________

₱10,000 – ₱14,000 ________

Below ₱10,000 ________

Frequently of tricycle use: Daily ______

Weekly ______

Monthly ______

Occasionally ______

Typical Distance Traveled by Tricycle: Less than 1km _______

1 – 2km _____

2 – 3km _____

3 – 5km _____

49
More than 5km _____

Part II: Checklist table

Directions. Check the following statements, 5 if you strongly

agree, 4 if you agree, 3 if you neither agree or disagree, 2 if you

disagree, 1 if you strongly disagree that corresponds your answer

Expensive 5 4 3 2 1

tricycle fare in

digos city

1.doesn’t feel

right for me as

a commuter

2.affects my

mood because

it imitates me

to know that

there are

tricycle drivers

50
 who are not

fair

3.is not

acceptable for

me

4.can make

misunderstandi

ng /arguing

between me an

the driver

5.affects my

planned

budget in

commuting

6.decrease the

money that is

intended for

more

important

51
 things

7.makes me

don’t want to

ride tricycle

anymore

8.makes me

don’t want to

go to digos

sometimes

Table 1

52