Motorized tricycles are a common means of passenger transport everywhere in the Philippines, except on busy major highways and very busy city streets. The Boracay Budget Travel website says of the motorized tricycle, "The tricycle is the most popular means of transport in small towns and cities, especially in the rural areas."

Passenger Tricycles

Motorized tricycles come in several varieties. All are built around a motorcycle. One variety has a cab completely enclosing the motorcycle and rider. These accommodate three to four passengers and luggage or boxes can be placed on the roof. A passenger sits next to the driver and up to three passengers can be seated in two bench seats in a compartment behind the rider and front seat. These can be completely enclosed in plastic during rainy weather.

Another variety for passengers has a motorcycle on the left side and a side car on the right side. Usually both the cycle and sidecar are covered, but not always by the same roof. Usually one passenger can ride behind the driver and two in the side car.

Both kinds of tricycles are painted colorful, as are jeepney

Jeepney

Jeepneys are the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. They were originally made from US military jeeps left over from World War II and are known for their flamboyant decoration and crowded seating...

s. During elections campaign posters usually plaster many of the tricycles. Tricycles sometimes are locally made, but larger companies, such as Fitcor Marketing, manufacture passenger tricycles.

Passenger fares are much cheaper than for taxis, yet more expensive than for jeepneys. They seem to range from P6 to P250, depending on the locality and the distance to be ridden. $1.00 US is approximately P43.

Cargo Tricycles

Cargo tricycles are also used in the Philippines and elsewhere in Asia. Fitcor makes cargo tricycles for use domestically and for export. The cargo tricycle either has a bed in the back or on the side as a sidecar.