Lawmakers revive push to classify MCTS as PUVS

AMID an uptick in demand for efficient public transport and livelihood during the Covid-19 pandemic, Congress has renewed its push for the immediate passage a bill allowing motorcycle taxis (MCTS) as public-utility vehicles (PUVS).

During a technical working group hearing last Monday, lawmakers and concerned stakeholders called for the expedited resolution of the proposed motorcycle taxi law as serious delay affects public transport and livelihood.

The Department of Transportation (DOTR) presented a summary of findings during the last pilot run but it was revealed that the study still lacked data to be comprehensive for the third technical working group (TWG).

But lawmakers said further delays only led to the proliferation of more unsafe motorcycle-like vehicles like the habal-habal due to public demand.

TWG Chairman Rep. John Reynald Tiangco of Navotas City cited the scarcity of a reliable public transport system and the advancement of technology as the factors that drew attention again to MCTS.

He said that the “motorcycle helped in addressing the transport gap in Metro Manila in the absence of viable solutions to our public transportation problem.” This same solution can be applied to other parts of the country, which had been aggravated by the pandemic.

As Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Party-list Rep. Jericho Nograles also said, “there is an inordinate delay in the clear implementation of the service and now, more than ever, people need the government to act. While balance must be achieved on safety and convenience, the trial period is already over-extended and clear policies must be in place.”

Iloilo Rep. Julienne Baronda and Manila Rep. Cristal Bagatsing also called for urgency in the consolidation of the measure.

Bagatsing said the pilot studies provided enough data and collective experience on the ground from operators, which could enable Congress to come up with a bill and pass legislation.

While acknowledging that transport safety is a major concern to passing the motorcycle taxi law, Angkas Chief Transport Advocate George Royeca expressed confidence that safety regulations, public sector compliance of public health guidelines, and innovations like the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (Iatf)-approved shield have proven that motorcycle taxis can give the public the service they need while reducing the chances to virus transmission.

“We’ve come so far. With the pandemic, it has been a challenge for us. Working with the IATF, we were able to come up with guidelines to make it safe,” he said.