Advocacy group CitizenWatch Philippines said Grab Philippines’ acquisition of motorcycle taxi firm MoveIt will promote competition that will benefit the riding public.
“CitizenWatch Philippines believes competition ultimately redounds to the benefit of the consumers. Players in any given field must not shun competition but instead welcome it as an opportunity to improve themselves and strive to work better for the public,” said Time Abejo, the group’s conveyor, in a statement yesterday.
Abejo said Grab-MoveIt deal will “help alleviate the public transportation crisis besetting commuters in the country.”
According to Abejo, Grab intends to use its resources to level up MoveIt’s services “to achieve a more vibrant and competitive moto-taxi market which will ultimately benefit the riding public.”
In a separate statement, Move It said it remains as the third motorcycle taxi operator although it was acquired by Grab .
“There are only three motorcycle taxi companies — Angkas, Joyride, and Move It — and Grab, by acquiring Move It, does not become a fourth player”, said Francis Juan, Move It chairman.
Juan said Move It, since it has its own legal personality, owns its accreditation as a motorcycle taxi business and this accreditation stays with it regardless of who owns the company.
Move It said it offers the lowest fares and it will continue to do so.
There are several measures pending in Congress seeking to legitimize and regulate the motorcycle ride-hailing services which are currently operating under a pilot program.
