MANILA, Philippines — Ride-hailing firm Angkas on Friday clarified the addition of the “Weight Safety Check” in its booking application, and stressed it’s “all about safety.”
Angkas said the decision was based on discussions with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) back in June 2019.
“You can find this specific provision already referenced in the passenger safety cards carried by our bikers and the materials posted online,” the ride-hailing firm said in a statement.
Angkas, however, said that weight is not yet being factored in bookings as of this posting since: “As of today, we are only in the data collection phase to study implementation for a safer ride for all.”
“Eventually, our goal is to ensure all bookings match you with the most appropriate bike and biker.”
“For now, this should not impact anything from before, and rest assured we are treating this sensitive data with the utmost care,” it added.
Angkas’ recent application update added a “weight safety check” that asks users to provide their weight range.
The interagency technical working group (TWG) has since denied ordering Angkas to deny rides to “heavy passengers”.