‘Angkas’ appeals for legal operation

Motorcycle-based ride-hailing company Angkas asked yesterday the Department of Transportation to allow two-wheeled vehicles to formally operate under the transport network vehicle services (TNVS) category.

In a statement released Thursday, Angkas urged Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to consider amending Department Order 2015-11 and include motorcycle-taxis as TNVS.

Based on the order made by the then Department of Transportation and Communications, sedans, Asian utility vehicles, sports utility vehicles, vans, or other similar vehicles are included under the TNVS category.

“Doing so will firmly put Angkas and all motorcycle-taxis officially under the jurisdiction of the LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board),” Angkas said following the apprehension of its 19 drivers early Thursday for operating without necessary permits.

The LTFRB together with the Land Transportation Office and Highway Patrol Group conducted an operation against Angkas which they tagged as “colorum’,” a term for public utility vehicles operating without franchise.