MANILA, Philippines — A group of riders on Wednesday prodded the government to allow Citimuber in the extended motorcycle-taxi pilot study.
“Nananawagan kami hindi para sa kumpanyang Citimuber kundi para sa mga riders na una ay dapat mabigyan ng pagkakataon na makapag-hanapbuhay bilang motorcycle taxi,” a statement by the Kapatiran sa Dalawang Gulong (Kagulong) and Citimuber riders read.
(We are calling not only for Citimuber but also for the riders who should be given the chance to have a decent living in the motorcycle taxi industry.)
“Ikalawa ay upang mabigyan ng pagkakataon na makatulong sa mga kababayang mga komyuters na maibsan and paghihirap sa pagbiyahe patungo sa kanilang paroroonan o dili kaya ay makapunta ng maayos sa kanilang mga pinattatrabahuhan,” the statement followed.
(Secondly, we should be given the chance to help our countrymen who are commuting ease their burden of traveling to their destination or reach their destination safe.)
Charles Punsalang, Citimuber’s Head Operations Manager, said they are hoping to be allowed to operate again.
This is despite having no communication with the Technical Working Group (TWG) or the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
“Handa po kami sa anumang inspeksyon na gagawin ng Technical Working Group, Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), LTFRB, LTO,” he said during a public forum at the Liwasang Diokno at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) headquarters in Quezon City.
(We are ready for any inspection na will be done by the Technical Working Group, Inter-Agency Task Force, LTFRB, LTO.)
“Yun nga lang ang problema natin ay wala po kaming nakakausap ni-isa sa kanila,” he added.
(Our only problem is that we haven’t talked to anyone of them yet.)
If given provisional authority, around 3,000 Citimuber riders will be able to join the pilot test run.
Last November 24, motorcycle ride-hailing firm Angkas was allowed by the TWG to operate again under the extended motorcycle-taxi pilot study.
Motorcycle taxis are required to comply with the operational requirements set by the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19.