Osmeña backs app for habal-habal

Despite opposition, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña said he will continue supporting the operation of a mobile-based motorcycle transport booking system.

But Osmeña said the City Government will still regulate the habal-habal or motorcycle taxi.

“In the interest of public welfare, we have to pursue this because we all know that habal-habal is an accepted practice here and it’s better to put some order to it. It will redound to the benefit of the public,” he said.

Angkas, an online booking service for motorcycles- for- hire, started its operation in the city this month.

One can download the application to a mobile phone and book a motorcycle in one’s chosen pick up and drop- off points.

The mayor earlier an- nounced his plan to regulate the habal-habals since these are the only mode of transportation in far- flung villages.

Osmeña said regulating them will help lower the habal- habal fares since the drivers will have to follow a guideline.

It will also help ensure the safety of passengers.

“We can put an organization where we can screen the bad elements,” the mayor said.

Osmeña said he will always do what’s good for the people even if some will say that the operation of habal-habal in the city is still illegal.

Osmeña then reiterated his directive to the city’s traffic enforcers to focus their efforts on supervising the city’s traffic and not the apprehension of habal- habal drivers.

“I told our traffic enforcers not to pay attention to the violations of two-wheeled vehicles. If the LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) wants to enforce the law, let them get their own traffic enforcers,” he said. /