The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a show cause order (SCO) to motorcycle ride-hailing and delivery service app, Angkas, demanding an explanation for allegedly surpassing the government-mandated cap on motorcycle taxis in Metro Manila.
In an order issued by LTFRB chairman and Motorcycle Taxi Technical Working Group (MC Taxi TWG) chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III, Angkas was asked to justify why it should not face suspension or removal from the ongoing motorcycle taxi pilot program for allegedly exceeding the allocated rider cap. Angkas has been given five days to respond formally to the order and required to appear before the MC Taxi TWG on Wednesday 18 December 2024 at the LTFRB in Quezon City.
The LTFRB said the motorcycle taxi limit in Metro Manila has been fixed at 45,000 since 2020, with no increases made in the National Capital Region. “The number of MC taxis in Metro Manila remains at 45,000, as set three years ago,” said Guadiz in a statement, emphasizing that only the limits in Regions III and IV had been adjusted. These regions now have a cap of 2,000 motorcycles each, totaling 4,000, with companies such as Para Xpress, Maxim, Dingdong, and GrabBike authorized to operate there.
Angkas, which currently claims to have around 30,000 partner-bikers, faced scrutiny after it announced in August 2024 a partnership with the Social Security System (SSS) to extend social security benefits to 50,000 riders. This figure raised concerns about potential non-compliance with the LTFRB’s rider limits.
The LTFRB’s action follows increasing calls from transport groups and lawmakers for the government to uphold the existing cap. In April 2024, the House Committee on Metro Manila Development, alongside transport organizations, urged the MC Taxi TWG to focus on expanding services outside Metro Manila while maintaining the integrity of city traffic flow.
National Public Transport Coalition President Ariel Lim emphasized the impact of rising motorcycle taxi numbers, stating, “Every additional motorcycle taxi exacerbates our traffic woes and sidelines traditional transport sectors crucial for our city’s mobility.”
As the deadline for Angkas’ response looms, industry observers are closely watching the outcome, which could shape the future of motorcycle taxi regulations in the country.
