TRIAL RUN FOR BIKE HAILING

Six-month test run will allow govt, firms to collect data and assess its demand

THE government will allow ride-hailing firms, such as Indonesia’s Gojek and local start-up Dego Ride, to kick off motorcycle-hailing operations on a limited scale from January, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

Loke said the firms could run motorcycle-hailing operations, or “proof of concept”, for six months in Kuala Lumpur to prepare and test their service.

“This proof-of-concept period will enable the government and intermediary companies to collect data, assess the levels of demand and acceptance, and other operational requirements related to the motorcycle-hailing service,” he said during the minister’s question time at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

He was asked by Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (PH-Setiawangsa) when the pilot project for motorcycle-hailing service would start and whether the legal framework had been drawn up by the ministry.

Loke said any request from other states would be considered.

He said the requirements that must be followed by the firms include the condition that riders must have a driver’s licence and be at least 18 years old.

“Riders can take only one passenger at a time and passengers must be at least 18 years old. Riders must also wear clearly marked clothing and have markings on motorcycles that comply with road rules.

“The ministry is working with the Land Public Transport Agency and the Road Transport Department on the details of the rules and procedures, as well as preparations at the administrative level related to the implementation of the proof of concept.”

Loke said the cabinet, on Friday, had agreed that the intermediary companies would provide the public service vehicle and motorcycle service.

The services would be regulated under the Road Transport Act 1987, Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board Act and the Land Public Transport Act 2010, he added.

Loke said the purpose of allowing the motorcycle-hailing service was to increase the use of public transport in the country.

“The motorcycle-hailing service will be one of the key components of the government’s effort to provide a comprehensive public transport system as it will help in the first- and lastmile connectivity service.”

He said the ministry was drawing up the legal framework and requirements for motorcyclehailing services.