DOTr willing to listen, dialog with Angkas riders any time

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has opened its lines to dialogue with Angkas—a motorcycle ridehailing app that was recently barred by the Supreme Court from operating—to help craft policies and even push for the amendment of archaic legislations to provide the public with an alternative transport means.

In a statement, the agency said Angkas should stop “brazenly” defying the order of the high court and cease its operations, pending possible amendments to laws and the creation of new policies akin to what the previous administration did for transport network companies like Grab.

“We are willing to talk. We are willing to listen,” the statement read. “If Angkas wants to be heard, it should also learn to listen.”

Angkas riders are reportedly still plying the road, offering point-to-point rides to its users despite a high court order against the legitimacy of Angkas’s ridehailing operations.

A quick check on the app’s interface, however, shows that it only offers parcel services to customers.

“Nothing good comes out of defying the law because the law, while existing and unamended, must be respected and followed,” the statement read.

Under Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, two-wheel vehicles are banned from being used as public-utility vehicles or common carriers.

According to the agency, there are several points that must be discussed with Angkas. These include the specific guidelines for motorcycle as a transport means, the specifications of the motorcycles to be used, the acceptable travel speed, limitations on road usage, seat requirements and trainings for drivers.

“Another integral aspect is safety. How do we ensure the safety of passengers? In the unfortunate instance of an accident involving a passenger, who will shoulder all the expenses? If the driver is injured or dies, what will be the motorcycle owner’s accountability?” the statement read.

Company spokesmen have repeatedly bannered Angkas’s safety record of 99.99 percent over the last year and a half.

The agency added that these details “should all be thoroughly studied, and as such, the matter will not be resolved with Angkas’s continued flagrant defiance of the high court’s order.”

Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade earlier this week ordered a massive crackdown against Angkas riders who still offer transport services to their users.