GENERAL SANTOS CITY — A GenSan-based programmer has launched a web-based transport application designed to bring clarity and fairness to the city’s often confusing public transportation system, particularly tricycle fares.

John Michael Panizales recently introduced GenSan Transport: Tricycle Fare Calculator and Bus Route System across General Santos City, a digital platform that allows commuters to view tricycle routes, compute corresponding fares, and access a visual map of available bus routes within the city. The application aims to promote transparency and protect commuters from overcharging, a long-standing concern in General Santos.

Longstanding fare issues

Tricycles remain one of the most widely used modes of transportation in General Santos City, especially for short-distance travel within barangays and urban areas. Fares are regulated by the local government through an approved fare matrix, typically based on distance zones and passenger count. However, in practice, inconsistent pricing has persisted over the years, with commuters often unaware of the correct fare — an issue that disproportionately affects visitors, students, and first-time passengers.

These concerns became more pronounced during large-scale events such as the Batang Pinoy Games, when delegates unfamiliar with local routes and fare structures reportedly experienced excessive charges from some drivers.

“As a longtime commuter, I’ve seen drivers exploit passengers,” Panizales said. “I wanted to create something that ensures transparency.”

Features and inspiration

The GenSan Transport app integrates a tricycle fare calculator that reflects the city’s official fare matrix and a bus route system that visually maps key transport corridors. By showing routes and estimated fares in one accessible platform, the app empowers users to verify what they should be paying before or during their trip.

Panizales said the inclusion of a bus route map was inspired by similar transport systems in larger cities, where digital tools help residents and tourists navigate unfamiliar areas more efficiently. He noted that despite GenSan’s rapid urban growth, it has long lacked a centralized, commuter-friendly transport map.

“General Santos City deserves its own accessible transport guide,” he added.

Development challenges and future plans

The project was developed through extensive research on community mapping initiatives and the use of free, open-source technologies capable of dynamically displaying routes and fare data. Panizales said identifying reliable tools and accurate transport data posed the biggest challenge.

Currently, the app’s features remain limited, but Panizales expressed optimism that it can be expanded through collaboration with the local government, transport groups, and the commuting public.

“I only worked on this during weekends,” he said, “but I believe it can grow to serve more commuters.”

Toward fairer urban mobility

As General Santos City continues to grow as a regional hub for commerce, sports, and tourism, initiatives like GenSan Transport highlight the role of technology in improving everyday urban mobility. By addressing fare transparency and route accessibility, the application offers a practical step toward a more commuter-friendly and accountable public transportation system.