New Motorcycle Taxis May Soon Be Introduced to the Public

New Motorcycle Taxis May Soon Be Introduced to the Public

The public may soon have more riding options other than the popular Angkas, as the government encourages new players to participate.

According to the Philippine News Agency, the technical working group (TWG) responsible for overseeing motorcycle taxis proposed a 6-month extension in its Motorcycle Taxi Pilot Implementation (MTPI). The program was supposed to end on December 26, with Angkas as the only participant. Aiming to entice other ride-sharing platforms and further study the feasibility of motorcycles as a safe mode of public transportation, the extension was introduced. The decision on the proposal will be released in the next few days.

The LTFRB, which is part of the TWG, said that the longer study period will help the group broaden the scope of their work in determining appropriate standards to be imposed on motorcycle taxi providers.

Sharing that they wanted to offer more choices for the riding public and improve transportation services brought by strong competition, LTFRB Board Member retired Police Maj. Gen. Antonio Gardiola Jr. emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and comfort of commuters.

In November, six motorcycle taxi companies expressed an interest in participating in the study. This includes Citimuber, JoyRide, MoveIt, EsetGo, Sakay, and VroomGo.

The TWG is composed of the LTFRB, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic. It is responsible for supervising pilot implementation and gathering data relevant to the legalization of motorcycle taxis.

Need for Efficient Transport Systems

Currently, the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (Republic Act No. 4136) does not allow motorcycles to be used for hire under any circumstances. This is why Angkas has repeatedly been slapped with court orders prohibiting its operations.

However, due to the worsening traffic situation in the metro and public transport breakdowns, there’s pressure from the public to allow motorcycle taxis to offer services. Online petitions are signed to #SaveAngkas whenever there is a temporary restraining order released, and it always becomes a trending topic on social media.

The pilot operations of motorcycle taxis approved earlier in the year is the government’s answer to the public’s need. As cited in BusinessWorld, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said that the program they introduced is “proof that [they] listen to the public.” It reflects their “open-mindedness” to explore solutions to people’s needs.

Aside from changes in legislation, the government strives for actual development and improvement of transportation systems. The administration’s Build, Build, Build program is geared towards greater mobility of people and decongestion of major cities, as it features the construction of various infrastructures, from trains and railways to roads and bridges.

In Manila, where bottlenecks are an everyday reality, Build, Build, Build is in full swing. The Metro Manila Subway, which will span from Valenzuela City to Parañaque, will be fully operational by 2025. It is expected to serve 370,000 passengers daily in its first year of operations, offering a 30-minute travel time from Quezon City to NAIA-3.

The MRT-3, on the other hand, is undergoing rehabilitation, involving the overhaul of the light rail vehicles, replacement of tracks, and repair of signaling, communications, CCTV systems, escalators, and elevators, according to Manila Bulletin. The project is expected to be finished by 2021.

The Skyway extension project, targeted to give motorists from Southern Luzon easier travel to Metro Manila, is estimated to be completed next year. Key areas like the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay, Makati, Quezon City, up until Balintawak and the North Luzon Expressway, will become more accessible.

Meanwhile, MRT-4, which stretches from the Ortigas district to the Rizal area, is already under funding talks, while the MRT-7, which traverses Quezon City all the way to Bulacan, was almost halfway finished in September, according to the Public-Private Partnership Center.

The Rise of Water Thoroughfares

Other than the Build, Build, Build initiatives, the government also strives to build reliable, efficient alternative transport systems. Recently, the DOTr introduced “water jeepneys” offering rides from Cavite to Manila. The estimated travel time from Cavite City Port Terminal to Liwasang Bonifacio Terminal is 45 minutes. Meanwhile, the trip from the port terminal to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in Pasay only takes 15 minutes.

The Pasig River ferry service was also recently relaunched, as a way to alleviate traffic in Metro Manila roads. In total, there are seven boats servicing the waterways. Eleven stations are also operational around the metro.

Sources: Philippine News Agency, BusinessWorld, Manila Bulletin, Public-Private Partnership Center

Main photo via Angkas Twitter account

This article was first published at Lamudi.com.ph