Dumaguete, a quiet university town, has always relied on the “Pedicab” as its main source of transportation. Interestingly, this local term for the preferred mode of travel is somewhat misleading. It should actually be pedal-powered!

We often hear the question you might be asking now: if it’s not propelled by pedals, why do we still call it a pedicab? Well, the elders explained that when Dumaguete shifted from bicycles to motorcycles, they were simply accustomed to referring to this form of transportation as a “Pedicab.”

At the beginning of the 21st century, as public transportation systems in cities worldwide rapidly evolved, the taxi made its debut in this charming and picturesque city. However, the taxi system in Dumaguete is quite distinct from those in major cities like Cebu or Manila. Taxis are primarily found at the airport and don’t operate with meters. Instead, the system resembles more of a car rental service. Dumaguetenos foresaw that the traditional taxi system would not thrive here. Why? Well, the city’s land area is still relatively small. If you need to travel to a particular destination, you can easily hail a Pedicab. The driver, known as “manong,” will transport you there!

Never underestimate the sleek yet incredibly potent Pedicab as a means of transportation. While a taxi can accommodate 5 people in one trip, the Pedicab can effortlessly do the same. Moreover, the design of this sturdy vehicle can accommodate even more than you would expect! Although such overfilled cabs are not allowed within the city limits, they can often be seen daringly navigating the nearby municipal roads. The taxi can never surpass our mighty Pedicab! Squeezing around 9 people into the cab while simultaneously carrying cargo at the back and on top.