LTFRB recommends ending motorcycle taxi pilot program

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB 55) has recommended the termination of the five-year motorcycle taxi pilot program 31. The board raised this concern to the House of Representatives, while endorsing current operators until passage of a law.

LTFRB Chairman and motorcycle taxi Technical Working Group lead (TWG) Teofilo Guadiz said that no new operators should be accredited under the program. He also recommended maintaining the provisional licenses of Angkas, Joyride, and Move It.

This move will aid stability in the industry, while awaiting for legislative matters to take effect. In that regard, the motorcycle taxi pilot study was launched in 2019. Since then, Congress has yet to pass regulatory frameworks for motorcycle taxi operations.

Consequently, the bill faces hurdles such as expansion beyond Metro Manila and the approval of additional operators. Challenges will prompt lawmakers for decisive action upon reaching the conclusion of the study prior to considering further initiatives.

Senator Grace Poe stressed the necessity of prioritizing the submission of pilot study for assessment before expanding the program. She believes that comprehensive planning and traffic assessment are required to minimize risks for both service providers and commuters.

The TWG needs to show that they have really studied the effectiveness of the motorcycle taxi pilot program, she added. Meanwhile, Guadiz said that adopting the TWG’s recommendations is up to the House of Representatives. He also noted that the livelihood of many riders depend on the app-based services.