Rain or shine, the tricycle drivers of Aklan State University-Banga Campus take a lot of work and dedication with their non-stop workload in taking students and other passengers safely to places inside and outside the university.
ASU-TODA or Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association has more than 80 local driver members.
As cliche as it may sound, "Basta driver, sweet lover," a short cheesy line makes them known the nicest sweet talker and someone who will ensure the commuters' safety.
However, behind the most radiant smile on their lips is the underlying reason for their every sweat and persistence, and because of the pandemic that happened two years ago which resulted in their 3-wheeler vehicle to roll finding enough income.
More than half of the members were forced to stop taking a ride which resulted in them having to be at home and or find another job.
As the university announced the return of face-to-face classes last year, tricycle drivers have been revived no longer moving tricycles and being parked at their homes.
All went to a new start. A fresh restart for the drivers.
Recently, they had a yellow vest uniform, printed with a driver's first name on the front and a number on the back that could make them easily identified.
"We would like to inform all students and teachers who commute that if you ride on our unit, just check our name and number printed on our vest," Robinson Rampola, 4th President of ASU-TODA said.
"In case when something off happens, they could easily identify the driver," he added.
They are only allowed to take a ride if there are classes during weekdays.
The university issued initial stickers that were affixed in front of the tricycle/ to recognize it as a permitted university vehicle. #vt
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