Negotiating Navigations: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Bargaining Practices in a Component City’s Fare System

Fare bargaining is a common practice in Tuguegarao City's public transportation system, where commuters negotiate with tricycle drivers before each trip. Despite the restrictions imposed by Tuguegarao City Ordinance No. 50-09-2022, which limits fare bargaining to hours between 9 PM to 5 AM and sets incremental increases for excess distance traveled, these provisions are often disregarded. This study investigated the fare bargaining practices and their impact on commuters and tricycle drivers. Using a qualitative approach with informal interviews, the study identified four major themes: a Flexible Fare System, the Initiation of the Bargaining Process, the Attitudes of Drivers and Commuters towards Bargaining, and the Perceived Fairness of the Fare system. The findings revealed that fare bargaining occurs beyond the allowed time, highlighting issues of fairness and potential exploitation. To enhance the public transportation system's efficiency, the study proposes policy interventions, including a dynamic fare system that considers distance, weather, and other factors. Additionally, the researchers suggest creating rules of conduct for driver-commuter interactions and reevaluating the fare system to ensure it meets the needs of all stakeholders. These measures aim to address the challenges and issues associated with fare bargaining and promote a more equitable and efficient public transportation system in Tuguegarao City.