Gov’t urged to expand motorcycle taxi pilot program

Commuters are increasingly relying on motorcycle taxis to get through Metro Manila’s jammed streets to their destination. (File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The government should allow at least four — not just two — motorcycle taxi firms to participate in its pilot program, as the Philippines shifts to Alert Level 1 that may again see a high demand for public transportation.

“As we reopen the economy, we’ll need public transportation. The land sector — rail, buses, jeepneys — aren’t ready yet for a sharp rise in demand from the commuting public,” said Rep. Edgar Sarmiento, chair of the transport committee of the House of Representatives.

Sarmiento said he would ask the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to explain why only two firms — Angkas and JoyRide — are currently in its motorcycle taxi pilot program.

A third player, Move It, also has a insignificant footprint in the business to count.

There should be at least four players in the program, so that commuters would have more choices, he said.

“While we’re reopening the economy, everyone should be ready, including those on two wheels, the motorcycle taxis,” he said.

Sarmiento is the main author of House Bill No. 10572, which seeks to legalize and regulate the operations of firms providing motorcycle-for-hire services. The bill has already passed third reading.

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