Strict penalties await illegal cycle-rickshaw operators. The PDS in Antsirabe and its team continue efforts to bring cycle-rickshaws into legal compliance. You have been operating illegally for five years, PDS official Fidy Andriantomponera told owners and cycle-rickshaw drivers during a meeting held Saturday, September 19, 2026, at André Resampa square. This is the time to return to legal operations and improve services for Antsirabe residents. We will be strict about the number of cycle-rickshaws operating in the city because their large numbers create many problems, he emphasized. A technical counting process, or "vorie," began Monday, September 14, 2026, with approximately 300 units expected to be counted in the morning shift and another 300 in the evening shift, totaling around 600. Over 10,000 cycle-rickshaws operate in Antsirabe according to available estimates, but only half are registered. Additionally, chaos and disorder have prevailed over the past five years, with some cycle-rickshaws impossible to control because their owners are either government officials or law enforcement. The annual license fee for each cycle-rickshaw is set at 35,000 Ariary, confirmed by the local tax authority in Vakinankatra, yet no cycle-rickshaw owners in Antsirabe have paid this fee over the past five years. Cycle-rickshaws must meet all required conditions to operate, including having a legal registration card, license, vignette, and all necessary documents. Only one person will issue registration cards starting now to avoid fraud, according to the PDS. After warnings and the set deadline, law enforcement will be strict with no extensions, according to Antsirabe city officials.