Body eyes extension of pilot test of Angkas, other motorcycle taxis

- Advertisement -

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is considering to extend for another six months the pilot test of motorcycle ride-hailing Angkas; this time to include six new motorcyle taxi companies.

The inter-agency technical working group (TWG) on motorcyle taxis submitted this recommendation and a decision on the proposed extension is due for release in the coming days according to the DOTr.

The TWG was formed to gather data to determine the viability of motorcycles as a safe mode of public transportation.

- Advertisement -spot_img

The data will be useful in the deliberation of several pending bills in both houses of Congress pushing for the legalization of the use of motorcycles as public utility vehicles , as well as amendment of existing laws such as Republic Act No. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

Upon the recommendation of the TWG, the DOTr allowed the six-month pilot test of Angkas starting June this year.

Angkas became the sole subject of the pilot program which will end on December 26.

Antonio Gardiola Jr., Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) board member and TWG chairperson, sees the extension as an expansion of the study by allowing new motorcycle taxi providers to participate in the pilot run in the interest of giving the riding public a wider choice, and thus push the multiple providers to ensure a higher standard of service.

The first six-month pilot run was approved in aid of legislation for both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The extension of the pilot implementation also aims to provide 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.

The DOTr heard proposals last November from six motorcycle taxi companies, namely, Citimuber, JoyRide, MoveIt, EsetGo, Sakay, and VroomGo, all aspiring to participate in the pilot run being considered.

“We want to determine their operational readiness and compliance,” Gardiola said.

Author

Share post: