Group opposes ban on e-trikes, e-bikes

March 13, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — A commuter group yesterday criticized a move of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to prohibit electric bicycles and e-tricycles from traversing major thoroughfares in the National Capital Region beginning April 15, saying no public hearing was made prior to the decision.

In a radio interview, AltMobility PH director Ira Cruz said that during a meeting on Monday, acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said there was no need for public consultation.

“There was a meeting yesterday to discuss the implementing rules and regulations. It was a done deal. They did not give us enough time as there are many things that needed to be discussed before an IRR should be finalized,” Cruz said.

The MMDA said the electric bicycles and e-tricycles would be banned from traversing major thoroughfares in the National Capital Region beginning April 15. The ban also covers traditional tricycles and other small vehicles to be identified in the future, the MMDA said.

The agency said e-bicycles and e-tricycles would be prohibited from traversing national roads such as EDSA, Recto Avenue, Quirino Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Katipunan Avenue, C.P. Garcia Avenue and Southeast Metro Manila Expressway or C-6, based on MMDA Regulation 2024-022.

“The time given to us was not enough if they really wanted to hear the side of the people,” Cruz said.

He added that many of the commuters use e-trikes to go to their respective offices.

“It is really sad that the MMDA favored private vehicles. The MMDA should prioritize the needs of the majority of the people,”Cruz said.

He cited a study of the Japan International Cooperation Agency showing that 88 percent of people in Metro Manila do not own cars.

Electric vehicles will also be banned along radial roads such as Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, Osmeña Highway, Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue, Magsaysay Boulevard, Aurora Boulevard Quezon Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, A. Bonifacio Avenue, Rizal Avenue and Del Pan/Marcos Highway/MacArthur Highway or collectively known as R-10.

Elliptical Road, Mindanao Avenue and Marcos Highway are also covered by the ban.

Violators face a fine of P2,500 and their vehicles will be impounded.