Legislator wants motorcycle taxi expansion study halted

A LAWMAKER is calling for a temporary pause in the expansion of the government’s motorcycle taxi pilot program, citing a rise in accidents and concerns about rider training.

Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said safety should be the top priority in any pilot study concerning motorcycle taxis.

“The most important and relevant parameters in any pilot study on motorcycle taxis feasibility study is the safety of motorcycle riders, their passengers, and everyone else on the roads. This is very important considering lately, I’ve been noticing on social media — there are many viral posts showing motorcycle accidents,” he added.

Based on a study by the Statista Research Department published on March 14, 2024, an average of 49 individuals were involved in motorcycle-related road crashes daily in Metro Manila, a significant increase compared to previous years.

At present, Angkas, Move It and Joyride are allowed to operate as motorcycle taxis under the government’s pilot study.

The pilot study is currently confined to Metro Manila, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.

The Land Transportation Office had said that the allotment of 45,000 motorcycle taxis in Manila already reached its limit.

Of the total allocation of 63,000 motorcycle taxis nationwide, 54,000 are currently enrolled.

Cloud Panda Philippines Inc., Taxi Philippines Inc., E Pick Me Up Inc., Easy Way Transport Service and Multipurpose Cooperative, Para Express Technology Services Inc., Grab Philippines, and Market Innovators Inc. have expressed intent to join the motorcycle pilot study.

House Transportation Committee Chairman and Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop earlier said that Congress is finalizing the longawaited motorcycle-for-hire law.

Acop said the measure is “a legislative priority of the House.”

“This is in response to the pronouncement of our president, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which was echoed by our speaker — Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez — to legalize and expand the operations of motorcycle taxis,” he added.