By Alexandria San Juan

Motorcycle ride-hailing firm Angkas explained that the weight check in the app’s latest update is geared towards making rides safer.

“We would like to clarify that the recent addition of the weight safety check in our app is all about safety,” Angkas head of operations David Medrana said in a statement.

According to Medrana, the Angkas’ new in-app feature is based on their discussions with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) when the initial pilot test run for motorcycle taxis began in June last year.

“You can find this specific provision already referenced in the passenger safety cards carried by our bikers and the materials posted online,” Medrana added.

In the recent update of the app, several safety measures and improvements were added including the “weight safety check” which requires users to provide their weight range from below 68 kilograms, 68 to 90 kilograms, and over 90 kilograms.

However, some users deemed the latest update to be discriminatory as it was stated in the app that “heavy passengers may be denied” to ensure safety of both the rider and the passenger.

But Medrana explained that weight is not yet being factored into bookings as Angkas is still in the “data collection phase to study implementation for a safer ride for all.”

“Eventually, our goal is to ensure all bookings match you with the most appropriate bike and biker,” Medrana said.

“For now, this should not impact anything from before, and rest assured we are treating this sensitive data with the utmost care,” he assured.

Read more: Angkas app update now requires passengers to disclose their weight – for safety reasons