7 outfits eye joining motorcycle taxi pilot; ride-hailing firm offers premium cabs

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Competition is heating up in the transportation sector as players  offer alternative ways to commute.

Local ride-hailing firm JoyRide Philippines  yesterday launched its taxi services in Metro Manila, offering a premium service at the same fare as the regular taxi.

This developed as the Land Transportation Office (LTO)  said seven motorcycle ride-hailing companies, including Grab Philippines, are eyeing to join the possible extension of the MC Taxi Pilot Study now covering three players.

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LTO chief Vigor Mendoza, told reporters in the sideline interview at the Joyride event  these  applicants companies  need to present their capacities and  pass the inspection of their garage and training facilities for their driver-partners.

Vigor said initially the intention is to roll out the new motorcycle taxi operator outside Metro Manila, depending on the local government units.

He did not identify the proponents but disclosed that Grab Philippines, which owns motorcycle taxi Moveit, is one of them.

The MC Taxi Pilot study started in 2019, was suspended due to the pandemic, and resumed in 2020. Its purpose is to provide recommendations on safety, security, franchising, regulatory procedures, and law enforcement issues.

Last August, the Department of Transportation’s Technical Working Group  urged the House Committee on Transportation, to allow the continuation of the pilot study for motorcycle taxis.

“We are hoping to get the study (approved) this December,” Vigor said, adding the thrust is to go outside Metro Manila and Metro Cebu and other provinces.

“That too will be part of the study. There are  interested parties in new areas. New operators (will be deployed) in new areas,” he added.

Meanwhile, JoyRide yesterday deployed 25 Super Taxi units initially in Metro Manila, taking inspiration from Japan’s JPN Taxi.

An upgrade of the regular taxi, Super Taxi features onboard amenities designed to enhance passenger comfort, convenience and safety, all at regular metered taxi fare rate.

In a press briefing, Noli Eala, JoyRide senior vice president for corporate affairs, said the company plans to further increase the fleet next year to address the anticipated demand.

“We have high hopes for the Super Taxi service and look forward to the positive response from commuters as they experience this new and exciting offering from JoyRide,” Eala said.

The company spent over P30 million for the initial fleet rollout, which roughly cost P1.2 million to P1.3 million per unit.

Eala said the rollout of the additional fleet will all depend on how soon the company can get the fleet of Veloz from Toyota.

The company said it expects a return on investment in the next four to five years.

The fleet will be turned over to the independent driver-partner after completion of the lease arrangement to encourage the driver-partner to take care of the vehicles and render services, according to Eala.

Pioneering the next-generation taxi services, JoyRide enables commuters to hail a Super Taxi directly on the street or conveniently book a ride through the JoyRide Superapp.

“The public can enjoy all these features of JoyRide Super Taxi without any fare increase, as the service will still be classified as a regular metered taxi or what we call ‘De-Metrong Kasundo’,” Eala said.

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JoyRide has  has expanded beyond two-wheel services to include four-wheel options, such as JoyRide Car and JoyRide Taxi Cab.

 

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