Motorcycle taxis no threat to PUVs - LTFRB

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has reassured stakeholders in the public transportation sector that motorcycle taxis will not directly compete with existing services like jeepneys and tricycles, and therefore will not harm their livelihoods.

LTFRB chief Teofilo Guadiz 3rd said the client base of motorcycle taxis is different from the existing public transportation services.

“These are the ones who are in a hurry. From their house they go to the office,” Guadiz said.

“The jeepneys, their client base is also different, from their terminal to another terminal,” he added.

The statement came as Congress finalizes the long-awaited motorcycle-for-hire law.

At present, only Angkas, Move It, and JoyRide are allowed to participate in the government’s motorcycle taxi pilot study.

House Transportation Committee Chair and Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop said that in finalizing the law that would govern motorcycles for hire, Congress would factor in various considerations, including the impact of motorcycle taxis on other modes of transportation.

However, Acop pointed out Filipino commuters had reasons for taking motorcycle taxis, given their affordability and convenience, plus the absence of efficient public transportation.

“Again I would like to stress that the lack of efficient public transportation paved the way for the proliferation of motorcycle taxis as an alternative mode of moving people,” said the lawmaker.

“Our Filipino commuters do so not only because these motorcycle taxis are cheaper and more accessible but also because they wish to avoid the stressful and time-consuming traffic in several urban areas,” he added.