Pedicabs and tricycles are the most convenient transportation in rural areas especially from the central town to the villages. Within big cities, they are usually located in smaller roads, lanes and alleys where other public transportation does not or cannot operate

Pedicabs

Pedicabs are man-peddled bicycles with a sidecar made for the passengers. Pedicabs can usually carry two adult passengers within the sidecar. However, some drivers may take only one (for private rental), three or four passengers depending on the size/age of the passengers.

There are different designs of pedicabs in the Philippines which vary on the financial capabilities of the pedicab owner/driver. Some have metal sides with PVC roofing and cellophane front covering. While, others have metal shields almost similar to tricycles.

Pedicabs don’t usually have a regulated fare, especially in rural areas, so always ask and negotiate the price.

Tricycles

Tricycles are motorcycles with side cars bigger than the pedicab, which has the legal capacity of 5 passengers including the driver. However, due to the oil price increase, some drivers will accept up to 10-15 passengers: squeezed in the sidecar and the backseat of the driver, hanging at the rear or sides of the sidecar and/or sitting on the roof top. Other times these vehicles carry loads of market goods, hardware or furniture and even appliances.

The tricycle side cars are originally made from the scraps used to make jeepneys after World War II. Like jeepneys, these vehicles are also well-decorated with ornaments and sometimes have built-in stereo which give pride to its owner/driver.

Tricycles, unlike Pedicabs have a regulated fare starting at P7.5 for the first 4km, with a small additional charge for each additional km. This fixed fare is often ignored by drivers, especially when approached by tourists and some can ask for as much as P100 per trip.