CAGAYAN de Oro City — Thousands of rela drivers and commuters could be affected as the Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) reviews the city’s designated routes for motorized tricycles amid the ongoing month-long traffic dry run.

The review comes after some rela drivers appealed to the city government to retain the current operating system, saying stricter route restrictions could reduce their daily income and limit their access to passengers.

Benedicto Ramiro, acting assistant department manager for traffic operations, said the RTA will study the possibility of restoring the original rela routes and enforcing them through a color-coding system.

Ramiro said the review aims to organize rela operations without cutting off transportation access in communities that are not adequately served by public utility jeepneys (PUJs).

“Relas” remain an important transport option for commuters in areas where regular PUJ routes are unavailable, he said.

But for drivers, the proposed route system is also a livelihood issue.

Dante Tiguman, a rela driver who lives in Barangay Carmen, said he supports color coding if it is implemented fairly.

He said some assigned zones have fewer passengers than others, creating unequal earning opportunities among drivers.

“If the color assigned to you corresponds to an area with low passenger volume, it becomes difficult to earn enough to support your family,” Tiguman said.

Tiguman said he currently earns around ₱500 to ₱900 a day, which helps cover his family's daily expenses.

He appealed to the city government to retain the current system, saying it allows drivers to pick up passengers in different parts of the city and gives them better opportunities to earn.

The RTA’s review is part of the city’s broader traffic dry run, which seeks to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and address road obstructions in key areas.

The city’s Business Permits and Licensing Division records more than 2,400 registered relas operating in Cagayan de Oro. 

Unconfirmed reports estimate that another 500 unregistered relas may also be operating in the city.

For commuters, the route review will be closely watched as authorities try to balance traffic management with the need for accessible and affordable transportation.