For the longest time, Filipino commuters have been forced to ride public utility vehicles (PUV) that are uncomfortable, unsafe, poorly maintained, and heavy smoke-belchers. These commutes are done on buses and jeepneys, while the last mile of the daily commute typically involves a tricycle.
Tricycles for public transportation have traditionally been made up of a backbone motorcycle or "Pantra" (Pantrabaho [livelihood] model) paired with a backyard-built sidecar cab to enable transport of goods or additional passengers.
Unfortunately for the commuter, with these vehicles' regulation falling under local governments units (LGU) rather than the Land Transportation Office (LTO), few safety and roadworthiness standards (if any) are followed with regards to their manufacture, assembly, and maintenance.
As such, these may vary wildly from low-slung sidecars, to larger extended versions (in the provinces) designed to carry more than 4 passengers. For years, these tricycles have done the job, but with very little improvement over the years, particularly in terms of quality or safety. If the government is overhauling jeepneys with the PUV modernization program, isn't it time tricycles were modernized as well?
One company has thought of that and has taken the step to make the lives of many commuters better. TriMotors Technology Corporation, before members of the press on Friday, presented what they claim to be the "The Next Generation Tricycle" for the masses – the Bajaj RE.
Raul Manglapus III, VP and General Manager, TriMotors Technology Corporation.
The Bajaj RE tricycles have been in production for over 50 years and are specifically designed to haul people and goods. Unlike the common tricycle, built from a motorcycle and a sidecar, the Bajaj RE is a purpose-built three-wheeler.
“The Philippines deserves a better tricycle,” said Raul Manglapus III, VP & General Manager of TriMotors. He also went on to elaborate that the idea to bring in the “better tricycle” for the Filipinos came during a trip in India back in 2015. He said that just one ride in a Bajaj RE tricycle there convinced him that “the Filipinos deserve this”.
The Bajaj RE tricycle promises commuters a safer and more comfortable ride to and from home, thanks to its cabin-type design with windshield and roof cover that protects riders and their passengers, including their goods from the weather and other elements. The car-type seats have seat belts for the driver and the passengers, making them safe and comfortable to ride. A powerful 200cc, fuel-injected (EFI) engine provides the pulling power to climb steep roads and still be fuel efficent thanks to a better power to weight ratio. The Bajaj RE also boasts of a hand brake lever for safety as well as a reverse gear.
As for after-sales service, TriMotors has promised superb customer support through their nationwide partner-dealer network and spare parts that are cheaper than other brands and are always available.
TriMotors have also added that these Bajaj RE tricycles are in line with the Philippine Government's program for PUV modernization and cleaner air. These new tricycles surpass the current emission standards of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), making it an eco-friendly transport partner.
The Bajaj RE tricycles are now available at authorized partner-dealers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. For inquiries, contact 0919-061-5324 or message us at fb.com/BajajREPhilippines.
