Behind every pedicab ride is a daily routine shaped by long hours, changing weather, physical effort, and the responsibility of supporting a family while serving the community. The insights in this page are based on the experiences of pedicab drivers in Metro Manila, gathered through interviews, surveys, and field observations during the development of Kuwentong Pedicab.
The statistics presented in this section are based on the Kuwentong Pedicab Study conducted in Metro Manila. The passenger survey involved 62 respondents and explored their perceptions, experiences, and views regarding the cultural and everyday importance of pedicabs.
Pedicabs have long existed in Manila not only as a form of transportation, but also as part of the city's cultural memory. In areas such as Intramuros, Quiapo, and Binondo, they remain connected to everyday routines, neighborhood identity, and historical continuity.
Many drivers and passengers describe pedicabs as a "kinship" form of transport, similar to the kalesa, representing traditions that continue to exist within rapidly modernizing urban spaces.
Survey responses also show that pedicabs are closely tied to personal and collective memory, including childhood experiences, neighborhood familiarity, and daily trips to schools, markets, and barangay centers.
52 out of 62 surveyed passengers considered pedicabs an important part of Manila's cultural identity
45 of 62 surveyed passengers shared personal memories or meaningful experiences involving pedicabs
all 62 surveyed passengers strongly agreed that pedicabs should still have a place in the city despite modern transportation
"But while they remain part of the city's memory, the systems shaping urban mobility are slowly leaving them behind."
Through interviews and observations, pedicab drivers shared the realities they encounter while continuing to provide transportation within their communities.
Drivers shared that their daily income has significantly decreased due to the rise of e-bikes and app-based transport services. With fewer passengers and more competition, earning a stable income has become increasingly difficult.
“Dati umaabot ng ₱700. Ngayon matumal na.”— Pedicab Driver
Despite harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain and flooding, pedicab drivers continue working because many commuters still rely on them—especially in narrow streets where larger vehicles cannot pass. However, extreme weather often reduces both safety and passenger flow.
Pedicabs are increasingly becoming less visible in urban planning as modern transport systems are prioritized. This often leads to reduced recognition of their role, and in some cases, displacement from certain areas.
Pedicabs becoming "invisible" in urban planning. Many drivers, especially older ones, experience physical strain from long hours of pedaling. As they age, keeping up with daily routes and maintaining endurance becomes increasingly difficult, especially in demanding urban conditions.
These challenges highlight the resilience of pedicab drivers, who continue to serve their communities despite economic and structural pressures.
Despite financial, physical, and structural challenges, pedicab drivers continue to adapt through resourcefulness, community support, and deep familiarity with their environment. These coping strategies allow them to sustain their livelihood and remain active members of their communities.
Drivers adjust their daily paths depending on traffic rules, road restrictions, and flooding conditions. By using shortcuts and alternative routes, they are able to continue working even when regular paths become inaccessible.
To supplement declining income from pedicab driving, many drivers take on additional work such as deliveries, construction work, or other informal jobs. This flexibility helps them meet daily family needs despite unstable earnings.
Survival is also made possible through small acts of community cooperation. Passengers sometimes offer extra fares or flexibility in payment, while fellow drivers share information, routes, and assistance when needed.
Years of experience allow drivers to navigate the city better than most. Their knowledge of alleys, flood-prone areas, and traffic patterns helps them continue operating even in difficult or unpredictable conditions.
Many drivers adopt simple and disciplined lifestyles— careful budgeting, daily saving, and making use of available opportunities—to ensure they can continue working and supporting their families.
Long-term relationships between drivers and passengers build trust over time, with many commuters choosing familiar drivers. This steady connection helps drivers sustain their daily livelihood despite economic uncertainty.
These strategies demonstrate not only survival, but the resilience of pedicab drivers who continue to adapt and persist within a rapidly changing urban transport system.
Despite modernization, pedicabs continue to fill transportation gaps that larger systems cannot fully serve. They remain essential in many communities, yet are often underrecognized in modern urban planning.
Insights in this section are based on the Kuwentong Pedicab Study conducted in Metro Manila.
of surveyed respondents said they still prefer pedicabs during floods, in narrow roads, or when app-based transport is unavailable.
of respondents reported shifting to alternatives such as e-bikes or tricycles due to changing commuter demands and transport conditions.
of respondents believe that the history and cultural significance of pedicabs should be formally documented and preserved.
"Kapag wala na ang pedicab, mapipilitan kaming maglakad o gumamit ng mas mahal na transport."— Survey Respondent, Kuwentong Pedicab Study
The stories, interviews, surveys, and observations presented throughout this page are drawn from the research and field documentation conducted during the development of Kuwentong Pedicab across communities in Metro Manila.
