THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7 said only three motorcycle-hailing applications are authorized to carry passengers within the region.
LTO 7 Director Glen Galario said this during an interview on SunStar's news and commentary program, "Beyond the Headlines."
The three authorized apps are Move It, Angkas and Joyride. Other motorcycle hailing apps are allowed to deliver goods but not passengers.
The three apps are authorized by the government for the pilot study of motorcycle taxis in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao.
Maxim, though allowed to operate as a delivery service application, is not allowed to pick up passengers as a motorcycle-for-hire or "habal-habal" service.
Galario said violators will have their vehicles impounded and will pay a fine of P6,000 while passengers are not liable.
Move It, which was recently acquired by Grab Holdings Inc., was the latest ride hailing app authorized by the government.
Wayne Jacinto, general manager of Move It, said in a press conference that they plan to register a total of 3,000 riders in Cebu, which is the cap on the number of riders per app.
In May 2023, Eduardo Montealto Jr., director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7, said habal-habal drivers should join accredited ride-hailing operators to ensure they are ready when government regulates their operation.
According to Montealto, it is necessary to regulate habal-habals to ensure safety on the streets, especially while carrying passengers. He said riders must undergo road safety seminars and examinations, which are required when joining a ride-hailing operator.
Galario called on commuters to make formal complaints or send affidavits to their office instead of just posting on social media to ensure that proper action is taken.
