DOTr technical group may decide Angkas fate

Amid the clamor to allow motorcycle-hailing service Angkas back in the streets, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it would wait first for its newly created technical working group (TWG) to determine whether two-wheeled vehicles were fit for public transport.

The group, composed of motorcycle and commuter safety advocates, is expected to start convening on Jan. 18 to determine the right motorcycle specifications for these to be considered safe for commuter use, DOTr communications director Goddes Libiran said on Tuesday.

It will also tackle whether motorcycle taxis should be allowed on all types of roads and if their drivers should meet training standards applied to those who drive public utility vehicles.

“All data, figures and stances will be weighed and discussed in the TWG meetings,” Libiran said.

The House of Representatives passed on Monday a resolution ordering the DOTr to come up with an order regulating motorcycle taxi services like Angkas while waiting for the amendment of Republic Act 4136 that would reclassify bikes as PUVs.

The resolution was considered a victory for Angkas, after it suffered a legal setback last month when the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on a local court ruling.

The TRO allowed the DOTr and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to continue apprehending Angkas drivers for being colorum.