THE inter-agency technical working group (TWG) on motorcycle
taxis has recommended a six-month extension of the pilot
implementation of motorcycle taxis to allow the participation of new players in
the study.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019, the TWG said proposals were heard from six motorcycle taxi companies—Citimuber, JoyRide, MoveIt, EsetGo, Sakay and VroomGo—last Nov 20.
The pilot run, which will end on Dec. 26, currently involves only Angkas bikers in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu.
A decision on the proposed extension is due for release soon, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.
TWG chairperson Antonio Gardiola Jr. said an extension of the pilot run would allow the TWG to gather additional data to determine the viability of motorcycles as a safe mode of public transportation.
It will also provide the ri-
ding public with a wider choice and push the multiple provi-
ders to ensure a higher standard of service.
“We want to determine their operational readiness and compliance,” Gardiola said, adding that the TWG would also “want to determine whether or not motorcycles are really a safe and viable form of public transportation. These are always our prio-
rities: the safety, security and comfort of the riding public.”
The six-month pilot run was initiated in June 2019 in aid of legislation for both the Lower House and the Senate to further evaluate pending le-
gislative bills pushing for the legalization of the use of motorcycles as public utility vehicles (PUVs), as well as amendment of existing laws such as Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
The TWG is headed by Gardiola, a retired police major and member of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). It is composed of representatives of the DOTr, LTFRB, Land Transportation Office and the Inter-agency Council for Traffic. (MVI OF SUNSTAR PHILIPPINES)