DOTr allows motorcycle taxi operations

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has just announced that it has approved the pilot implementation of motorcycle taxis in the Philippines.

In cooperation with the motorcycle ride-hailing service Angkas, the implementation of the operations will begin around June. The operations cover Metro Manila and Metro Cebu and will last for about six months. DOTr stated that that the six-month initial run will serve as a basis to finalize Senate Bill No. 2180, a house bill that will regulate the motorcycle taxi industry. The agency has also released general guidelines for both driver and riders. Included in the guidelines are safety requirement, fare matrix, data sharing, and key performance indicators.

In the safety guidelines, DOTr is reminding both drivers and passengers of motorcycle taxis to comply with the safety requirements as they operate, otherwise, DOTr will cease the pilot implementation. Some of the safety rules include both riders and drivers must wear safety gear, maintenance of motorcycles, and drivers must not exceed driving 10 hours a day.

As for the fare matrix, the DOTr implemented the following fares in Metro Manila:

• PHP 50 for the first two kilometers
• +PHP 10/km up to 7 kilometers
• +PHP 15 for the subsequent kilometers
• 1.5x surge cap

For Metro Cebu:

• PHP 20 for the first kilometer
• +PHP 16/km up to 8 kilometers
• +PHP 20 for subsequent kilometers
• 1.5x surge cap

The DOTr also explicitly stated in the guidelines that only motorcycle taxis authorized by Angkas are allowed to operate. Angkas employs about 27,000 motorcycle units both in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu.

Mark de Leon, DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure, hopes that the pilot implementation will help lawmakers in formulating the law that fits the needs and safety of the commuters.