A lawmaker is calling for a temporary halt in the expansion of the publicly-funded motorcycle taxi pilot program, citing a rise in accidents involving motorcycles and concerns about rider training.
Representative Joel Chua of Manila’s 3rd district said safety is of utmost importance in any pilot study on motorcycle taxis.
“The most important and relevant parameter in any pilot study on motorcycle taxi feasibility study is the safety of motorcycle riders, their passengers, and everyone else on the road.
According to him, social media pages are full of motorcycle accidents caught on video that go viral on those platforms.
According to a study by the Statista Research published on 14 March, 49 individuals are involved in motorcycle-related road crashes daily in Metro Manila, a significant increase compared to previous years.
At the moment, Angkas, Move It and Joyride are authorized to operate as motorcycle taxis under the government’s pilot study.
The pilot study is confined to Metro Manila, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro. Of the total allocation of 63,000 motorcycle taxis nationwide, 54,000 are enrolled in the program. The regulator, the Land Transportation Office, said the allotment of 45,000 motorcycle taxis in Manila already reached its limit.
Cloud Panda Philippines Inc., Taxi Philippines Inc., E Pick Me Up Inc., Easy Way Transport Service and Multipurpose Cooperative, Para Express Technology Services Inc., Grab Philippines and Market Innovators Inc. have expressed intent to join the pilot study
House transportation committee chair and Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop had said Congress is finalizing the much-awaited motorcycle-for-hire legislation.
Acop said the measure is “a legislative priority of the House.”
“This is in response to the pronouncement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. supported by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez to legalize and expand the operations of motorcycle taxis,” he said.
