LTFRB: We didn’t authorize any hike in MC Taxi rider cap application

INQUIRER file photos

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board – Technical Working Group (LTFRB-TWG) did not authorize any rider cap application raise among Motorcycle Taxi Pilot study participants.

“As far as the Motorcycle Taxi-Technical Working Group (MC Taxi-TWG) is concerned, it has not authorized any increase in rider cap allocation and/or change in rider distribution among the MC Taxi Pilot Study participants,” it said in a statement on Monday.

Per official pronouncement of the MC-Taxi TWG dated February 14 2020, “the final list of riders allowed to operate in Metro Manila for each of the Pilot Study Participants are as follows – Angkas with 23,164; Joyride with 15,000 and Move It at 6,836, LTFRB – TWG said.”

A motorcycle-hailing app recently acquired by Singaporean-owned Grab Philippines has unveiled its ambitious strategy to expand its presence in Metro Manila by increasing the number of riders to 15,000.

The announcement was made by its General Manager Wayne Jacinto last week.

The third player in the MC Taxi Pilot Study has been no stranger to controversy since Grab Philippines acquired 99% of its operations.

The Lawyers for Commuter Safety (LCSP) had accused Grab Philippines of engaging in a “backdoor entry” into the government’s motorcycle taxi program by acquiring the MC Taxi app.

LCSP founder Attorney Ariel Inton clarified their group does not oppose the entry of new players in the industry.

But he emphasized it should be done after the government’s pilot study has concluded and proper rules and regulations have been established.

LTFRB-TWG said it has yet to decide whether or not Grab’s latest MC Taxi company will face sanctions for the unauthorized increase in rider cap allocation.

It will include the matter in the agenda of their next meeting.

APL/abc