THE IMPACT OF INCOME-INFLUENCING DETERMINANTS ON LOCAL

TRICYCLE DRIVERS’ INCOME PATTERNS

A Research Paper Presented in Fulfillment of the Requirements of the

Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM) Strand

Clarin National High School

Poblacion III, Clarin, Misamis Occidental

Researchers:

Jillian Larrah Belarmino

Joraeh Tejada

Marivel Edem

Antaris Magsayo

Jefferson Oliver

Mrs. Mitzie Marish L. Bocayong

Practical Research II Teacher

December 17, 2024

A. Background of the Study

Transportation is a public conveyance of passengers or goods from one location to

another, especially as a commercial enterprise. Transportation is defined as the activity which

primarily is concerned with providing an increasing human satisfaction through the changing

of geographical location and the position of people and goods (Amegashie and Barnes).

In various provinces of the Philippines, the tricycle is regarded as the essential mode

of transportation and an access point to public transport, particularly in rural barangays or

barrios. Tricycle, sometimes known as a “trike”, is a three-wheeled public utility vehicle that

consists of a motorbike and an attached passenger’s side car. The motorbike is on the left,

while a side automobile is on the right. It carries 4-6 passengers who opt for convenient and

faster transport.

Tricycle drivers in the Philippines, who are part of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers

Association (TODA), and an often part of the informal economy, rely heavily on their daily

earnings to support their families’ needs through meeting their daily expenses. However, the

sustainability of this income has become a growing concern, as operational factors such as

fuel prices, maintenance costs, and fluctuating passenger demand negatively affect their daily

earnings.

The cost of operating a tricycle has been rising, particularly due to volatile fuel prices

and the need for regular maintenance. To obtain income maximization, most drivers work

long hours. But, various operational challenges hinders it, including unpredictable passenger

flow, traffic congestion, and competition from other modes of transportation. Additionally,

external factors such as government policies, road conditions, and weather can significantly

impact their daily operations.

While tricycle drivers may appear to earn a sufficient income based on their daily

operations, it is essential to examine whether this income adequately covers their expenses.

Daily expenses for tricycle drivers can include fuel, vehicle maintenance, food, road fees, and

personal costs, among others. Understanding the balance between these expenses and the
income they generate is critical to assessing their economic sustainability and overall quality

of life.

The aims of this research is to study and quantify the income patterns and challenges

that tricycle drivers currently encounter. The importance of studying the income patterns and

challenges that are affecting the tricycle drivers can help the researchers to understand the

main reason of those tricycle drivers who demand their transporters a higher fare despite

government’s conducted measures and regulations.

B. Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors affecting tricycle drivers' daily

income in the locality, particularly in the areas of Clarin, Tudela, and Ozamiz City. It aimed

to answer the following questions:

1. Examine how the working hours of tricycle drivers affect their daily earnings.

2. Analyze the comparison between the amount of their daily earnings and operational

expenses (e.g., fuel, tricycle maintenance, etc.).

3. Investigate the negative impact of external factors such as weather and traffic on their

daily earnings.

4. Determine whether tricycle drivers earn more during weekends and holidays

compared to regular weekdays.

5. Explore how family dependency influences the financial stability of tricycle drivers.

C. Objectives of the Study

The general objective of this study is to examine the income patterns, expenses, and

challenges faced by tricycle drivers in their daily operations. Specifically, this study aimed to:

a. Determine the relationship between the number of working relationship

between the number of working hours and the daily income of tricycle drivers.

b. Assess the impact of operational expenses, such as fuel and maintenance

costs, on the income of tricycle drivers.

 c. Identify how external factors, including weather, traffic and competition,

affect the earnings of tricycle drivers.

D. Hypothesis

In this study, two hypothesis will be tested that are associated with the quantitative

analysis of the factors affecting the daily income of local tricycle drivers. For the

alternative analysis, there is a significant difference between the daily income and daily

expenses of local tricycle drivers.

However, the null hypothesis states that there is no significant difference between the

daily income and daily expenses of local tricycle drivers.

E. Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework indicates a clear structure for understanding how various

operational factors influence the income patterns of local tricycle drivers, following the Input,

Process, and Output (IPO) Model. This framework visualizes the betterment of the study from

its initial input to its outcome.

Income-Influencing Factors

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

- Working hours
- Daily and weekly
- Fuel costs - Surveys, interviews,
earnings
- Maintenance costs Financial Diary
- Income trends
- Passenger demand
- Recommendations
- Route - Statistical and
for operational
- External economic comparative analysis
improvements
conditions

Income Patterns of
Local Tricycle
Drivers
F. Significance of the Study

For Tricycle Drivers. This study will provide local tricycle drivers with valuable

insights into the factors affecting their daily income. By understanding how operational

factors such as working hours, fuel costs, and route selection influence their earnings, drivers

can make informed decisions to optimize their operations and increase profitability. The

findings may also help them manage their expenses more effectively, ensuring greater

financial sustainability. Additionally, the study may highlight practices that can lead to

improved income patterns and overall economic well-being for drivers.

For Local Government and Transport Authorities. The results of this study can

assist local government units and transport authorities in developing policies and programs

that support tricycle drivers. By identifying the challenges drivers face in sustaining their

income, government bodies can implement solutions such as fuel subsidies, route

optimization, or infrastructure improvements. Moreover, the findings could guide the local

government in balancing the needs of drivers with the demand for efficient public

transportation services, ultimately enhancing community mobility and economic stability.

For Policymakers. This study will provide policymakers with empirical data on the

financial challenges faced by tricycle drivers. The insights gained from this research can

inform the creation of regulations or support programs aimed at improving drivers' working

conditions, enhancing their income stability, and promoting fair competition within the

transport sector. Policymakers may also use the findings to craft policies that mitigate

external economic pressures, such as fluctuating fuel prices, that disproportionately affect

drivers’ income. Additionally, the study can contribute to policies that improve transport

sector governance and sustainability.

For Future Researchers. This study will serve as a foundational reference,

providing both qualitative and quantitative data on the income patterns of tricycle drivers. The

research framework and findings can be expanded in future studies to explore other variables,

such as regional differences, long-term economic trends, or the effects of new transportation

technologies on driver earnings. Future researchers may also build on this study to explore
solutions for broader transportation and livelihood issues, offering deeper insights into

improving the financial viability of small-scale transportation operators.

G. Scope and Delimitation

Scope

The respondents of this study are tricycle drivers who are residents of Misamis

Occidental. The tricycle drivers or respondents of the study are above 23 years old who

operate daily to earn an income though driving from one location to another in order to drop

off passengers to their desired locations. The research will be conducted within the selected

areas of Misamis Occidental on neighboring areas near Clarin National High School

specifically at the school, Clarin Town Center, Tudela Public Market, Wellness Park, and

various passenger waiting areas. This study focuses on one hundred male tricycle drivers

randomly selected by the researchers.

The research aims to gather quantitative data on the earnings and operational costs of

drivers over a defined period, typically covering the seven days of a week. The study will

examine variables such as working hours, passenger demand, fuel prices, maintenance costs,

and other factors that influence both income and expenses. Data will be gathered through

surveys, financial diaries, or interviews to provide a clear picture of the financial viability of

tricycle driving as a livelihood. The research will include both full-time and part-time tricycle

drivers in the community.

Delimitation

The study will be restricted to tricycle drivers operating in a single local community

or city, and the findings may not be generalizable to drivers in other regions or countries with

different transportation systems. It is limited to the ability to capture seasonal fluctuations in

income and expenses, such as holidays or peak seasons. Only operational expenses such as

fuel and maintenance, will be considered, excluding long-term financial commitments like

loans or insurance.

Additionally, the study will not account for differences between tricycle owners and

drivers who rent their vehicles, which may impact their income and expense balance. While
fuel prices and local passenger demand will be included in the analysis, broader economic

factors such as inflation, changes in government policies, or economic downturns will not be

examined in depth.

H. Glossary of Terms

Income Patterns - refers to the trends and variations in the daily or monthly earnings of

tricycle drivers. This can include the amount of income, fluctuations, and consistency over a

certain period.

Operational Factors - various elements that influence the daily income of tricycle drivers,

including working hours, fuel costs, maintenance expenses, passenger demand, route

characteristics, and external conditions.

Working Hours - the total number of hours that a tricycle driver operates daily or weekly,

which directly impacts their income potential.

Fuel Costs - the expenses incurred by tricycle drivers for purchasing fuel to operate their

vehicles. These costs are often influenced by fluctuating fuel prices.

Maintenance Costs - regular expenses for keeping the tricycle in good working condition,

including repairs, oil changes, and other necessary vehicle upkeep.

Passenger Demand - the number of passengers or trips that tricycle drivers service in a day,

which can fluctuate depending on time of day, location, and season.

Route Characteristics - the features of the routes taken by tricycle drivers, including

distance, traffic conditions, road quality, and the level of competition from other drivers or

transport options.

External Economic Conditions - economic factors outside the control of tricycle drivers,

such as inflation, fuel price fluctuations, and government policies, that can impact their

operating expenses and income.

Operational Efficiency - the ability of tricycle drivers to optimize their operations, such as

managing fuel consumption, selecting the most profitable routes, and maximizing the number

of trips to increase income.

Basic Needs - the essential expenses that tricycle drivers must cover with their income,

including food, housing, healthcare, transportation, and other necessary living costs.

Local Tricycle Drivers - individuals who operate motorized or manual tricycles as a form of

public transportation within a local community, typically for short-distance trips.

Policymakers - individuals or groups responsible for creating rules, regulations, or laws that

govern public policy, including transport regulations affecting tricycle drivers.

Transport Authorities - government or public entities responsible for regulating and

managing transportation systems, including tricycle operations, routes, and permits.

Financial Sustainability - the ability of tricycle drivers to consistently earn sufficient income

to meet their daily operational costs and basic needs over the long term.

Family Dependency - a family or a family member that needs financial support from an

individual.

Financial Stability - enables you to make financial plans for the future, including retirement,

education, and reaching long-term goals.

Tricycle Operators Driver Association (TODA) - a group that advocates for tricycle

operators throughout different areas, emphasizing their operational traits, difficulties, and

socioeconomic backgrounds.