THE HOUSE of Representatives has approved on third and final reading the bill allowing and regulating the use of motorcycles as public utility vehicles.

With 181 affirmative and zero negative in a voting on Monday, the chamber passed House Bill No. 8959, or the Motorcycles-for-Hire Act, which intends to provide an efficient alternative mode of transport nationwide.

If enacted, the bill will amend the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, contained in Republic Act No. 4136, by classifying “motorcycles-for-hire” as a public utility automobile.

It will mandate the Land Transportation Office, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and other concerned agencies to promulgate the implementing rules and regulations.

The bill specifies that the IRR should include limitation on the number of riders and the weight or load capacity, applicable speed limit, and designation of terminals.

It shall also include the insurance policy covering the driver, rider and the third party.

The LTFRB, meanwhile, will be in charge of determining, prescribing and approving the fare and other charges, including adjustments.

Motorcycles have long been widely used as an informal public transport system, especially in remote parts of the country where there are no other forms of service.

Motorcycle-hailing firm Angkas has been prohibited from operating as the existing law bans two-wheeled vehicles for public transport use. — Charmaine A. Tadalan









