Gov’t studying proposal to let motorcycle taxi operations resume

This file photo shows an Angkas rider and a passenger. – Motorcycle taxis like Angkas have not been able to operate since the start of the lockdown in mid-March because of the rule on physical distancing. This is a file photo. INQUIRER FILE/NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — The government is assessing the proposal to allow the resumption of motorcycle taxi operations as it gradually relaxes public transportation restrictions in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, the Department of Health (DOH) is now studying whether the proposal to use a “special suit” to avoid contact between the driver and passenger would be enough to provide physical distancing and possibly avoid the transmission of the respiratory disease.

“Pinag-aaralan po [The DOH is studying] if that suit would be sufficient to more or less provide social distancing of sorts,” Roque said in a televised Palace press briefing Thursday.

Operations of motorcycle-ride hailing firms have been suspended since mid-March following the imposition of the Luzon-wide quarantine.

To minimize the impact of the pandemic, motorcycle taxi firms like Angkas shifted to delivery services.

KGA