Angkas hails favorable DOTr ruling on motorcycle taxis

MANILA, Philippines – The chief executive officer (CEO) of motorcycle ride-hailing service Angkas thanked the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for recently approving a 6-month test run for motorcycle taxis in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu by the first week of June.

READ: DOTr OKs 6-month test run of motorcycle taxis in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu

“For now, we would like to extend our deepest and sincerest thanks to all our bikers and passengers who form the backbone of this community,” Angkas CEO Angeline Tham said in a statement on Friday.

TWO-WHEELED OPTION. A commuter taps the services of Angkas in Makati City to make it through traffic choked roads. (File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Tham added that “much gratitude” also goes to the DOTr and its secretary, Arthur Tugade, for “having the openness [to] hear out the people, and the vision to express a mode of transportation straight from the grassroots.”

Tham likewise thanked Quezon City 2nd District Representative Winston Castelo and Senators Grace Poe and JV Ejercito for being the ride-hailing service’s “champions” in the Lower House and Senate, respectively.

“[T]his is a momentous day in history, and we are extremely grateful and proud of this community we have built,” Tham said.

“The hard work of getting this off the ground now begins, and we have much ahead of us to ensure Angkas reaches more Filipinos properly and safely. We look forward to seeing more of you on the roads.”

According to guidelines issued by the DOTr, the flagdown rate for a Metro Manila motorcycle taxi will be P50 for the first kilometer.

An additional P10 to P15 will be charged for succeeding kilometers.

Meanwhile, motorcycle taxis in Metro Cebu will have a P20 flagdown rate.

An additional P16 to P20 will be charged for succeeding kilometers.

It is anticipated that 27,000 riders from Metro Manila and Metro Cebu will take part in the pilot run, the DOTr said. (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)