ANGKAS MAY ENJOY ANOTHER SIX-MONTH TRIAL

The popular motorcycle-hailing service Angkas could enjoy another six months on the road— albeit with new rivals—as a multisectoral technical working group (TWG) said it was considering extending an ongoing sixmonth pilot test to determine the safety of motorcycle taxis.

This meant that after Dec. 26, commuters might be able to book rides on similar apps like Citimuber, Joyride, Moveit, Esetgo, Sakay and Vroomgo, which earlier asked the TWG to let them join the dry run.

Right now, the TWG is still waiting for post-evaluation reports from Angkas, according to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) technical division chief Joel Bolano.

It is also expected to inspect the other motorcycle companies’ facilities and training centers before the end of the week.

Even if the TWG would ultimately recommend the extension of the pilot test with the inclusion of new players, Bolano said they were not expected to be able to participate immediately.

When the start of the sixmonth dry run was announced in May, for example, it took Angkas two months to recruit new riders and train them. The motorcycle ride-hailing app was actually under government regulation for only four months.

The TWG which crafted the guidelines governing the six-month test is composed of members from the LTFRB, Land Transportation Office, the Department of Transportation, various commuter and motorcycle groups, and road safety advocates.

In a statement, LTFRB board member Antonio Gardiola said the expansion of the test was meant to “give the riding public a wider choice, and thus push the multiple providers to ensure a higher standard of service.”

One of the new players, Joyride, was among five companies named in a pending petition for a temporary restraining order filed on Monday in a Quezon City court.

The petitioner, the commuter group Lawyers for Commuters’ Safety and Protection, alleged that these firms were operating outside government regulation and therefore endangering the riding public.

But Bolano said the petition itself would have no effect unless the court was to issue a preliminary injunction.