The Department of Transportation’s Technical Working Group (DOTr-TWG) is pushing for the extension of the pilot study on motorcycle taxis to address its complex issues in full.
Lawyer Vigor Mendoza, Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief and vice chair of the TWG on Wednesday opposed the upcoming termination of the MC taxi pilot study by the DOTr.
Mendoza said the gaps that must be addressed include issues like multi-homing and liabilities. He also emphasized the importance of a transition period to ensure the proper implementation of the study.
The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) earlier asked the TWG to consider the pro-competitive effects of multi-homing in its study.
Multi-homing allows drivers to choose which platform such as Angkas to offer their services in the same way that passengers can choose from among the different apps.
The PCC said multi-homing incentivizes platforms to continuously innovate and compete to keep both driver and passenger safe and satisfied of the service.
“Preventing multi-homing among drivers may lead to inefficiencies that will ultimately be detrimental to the riding public,” it said.
Mendoza’s appeal comes in response to SAGIP Partylist Representative Rodante Marcoleta’s inquiry as to why the MC Taxi Pilot Study still has not wrapped up when documents indicated its completion in 2021 yet.
Marcoleta questioned the DOTr-TWG’s rationale for limiting participation to only three players – Angkas, Move It, and Joy Ride. He also sought clarification on the increase in rider allocation.
Teofilo Guadiz, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman said the MC Taxi Pilot study, which started in 2019, was temporarily suspended due to the pandemic but resumed in 2020.
“Its purpose is to provide recommendations on safety, security, franchising, regulatory procedures, and law enforcement issues,” he added.
The TWG will present recommendations on the extension of the MC Taxi Pilot study, multi-homing, rider cap allocation, entry of new players, liabilities, and more. The House expects a comprehensive report within 45 days.
