Motorcycle taxi pilot period set for extension

State transport authorities want to extend their Motorcycle Taxi Pilot Implementation by six months so new players, such as Citimuber, JoyRide, MoveIt, EsetGo, Sakay, and VroomGo, can take part in the study.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) created an inter-agency Technical Working Group (TWG) on motorcyle taxis to gather data on motorcycles as a safe mode of public transportation until December 26, 2019. The TWG's findings will be used in the deliberation of pending bills in both Congress and Senate.

However, extending the study will expand it, stressed TWG chairperson and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Board Member Retired P/Maj. Gen. Antonio B. Gardiola Jr.

New motorcycle taxi providers can participate in the pilot run and the riding public can have a wider choice of providers to ensure a higher standard of service, he explained.

In the middle of this year, both the House of Representatives and the Senate approved a six-month pilot run in aid of legislation to legalize the use of motorcycles as public utility vehicles (PUVs). They also meant to amend existing laws, such as Republic Act No. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

Extending the pilot implementation gives the TWG more time to widen the scope of their study on appropriate standards and capacities for motorcycles to be considered safe, convenient, and eligible for franchise.

Last month, the DOTr heard proposals from six abovementioned motorcycle taxi companies aspiring to participate in the pilot run.

“We want to determine their operational readiness and compliance,” according to BM Gardiola. “We also want to determine whether motorcycles are really a safe and viable form of public transportation. Our priority is the safety, security, and comfort of the riding public,” he added.

Already, the TWG, which is composed of representatives from the DOTr, LTFRB, Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (i-ACT), submitted its recommendation for the halfyear extension of the pilot.

They expect a decision on the proposed extension in the coming days.