Angkas negotiates no-contact fares

Motorcycle pioneer Angkas is finalizing talks with several financial institutions and digital payments providers to roll out a cashless payment system before it resumes their ride- hailing operations.

Angkas chief transport advocate George Royeca, in an interview last week, said the new payment system will offer convenience to riders while lessening physical contact between the driver and the passenger.

Royeca said the move was also part of their digital transformation to keep up with the economy’s shift to digitalization and e-payment system.

Angkas recently said it is ready to deploy its 30,000 strong fleet of partner- riders following the government’s go-signal to resume operations to boost public transportation capacity.

While Angkas is still awaiting the release of official guidelines for the resumption, Royeca noted that drivers will continue to undergo training on proper disinfection to ensure the safety of passengers.

Palace, Congress okay return

Malacañang last week approved the request of Metro Manila’s local chief executives to continue the pilot study of motorcycle taxis after Angkas reported that no viral transmission of COVID-19 had been reported during its recent free transport service for medical workers.

Congress, through the House Transportation Commit tee, had earlier expressed its support in the continued pilot run pending a resolution that would legitimize motorcycle taxis as a form of public transportation.

Samar Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento also expressed confidence the resumption of operations of motorcycle taxi firms will ease the burden of commuters who are having a hard time going to work and other destinations due to the limited number of buses and jeepneys being allowed to operate.

Sarmiento, the chairperson of the House Committee on Transportation, made the remark following the decision to allow the operations of motorcycle ride hailing firms.

He said safety and health measures were of primary consideration prior to them making the decision of allowing motorcycle taxis to return to Metro Manila roads given that the COVID- 19 pandemic is still affecting the National Capital Region and the rest of the country.

The lawmaker also said allowing the resumption of this mode of transportation is a big help in boosting the economy.