The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) yesterday assured stakeholders motorcycle taxis would not adversely affect the livelihood of other public transportation like jeepneys or tricycles.
At the House committee on transportation hearing, LTFRB chief Teofilo Guadiz III explained clients of the motorcycle taxi are those coming from their house and heading to the office, while the jeepneys’ client base are passengers from one terminal going to another terminal.
The House committee on transportation is finalizing the motorcycle-for-hire law. Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop, the House transportation committee chair, noted the measure as “a legislative priority of the House.”
Acop said in finalizing the law that would govern motorcycles for hire, Congress would factor in various considerations, including the impact of motorcycle taxis on other modes of transportation.
This is in response to the pronouncement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which was echoed by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, to legalize and expand the operations of motorcycle taxis.
Acop said, however, Filipino commuters had reasons for taking motorcycle taxis, given their affordability and convenience, plus the absence of efficient public transportation.
“I would like to stress that the lack of efficient public transportation paved the way for the proliferation of motorcycle taxis as an alternative mode of moving people,” said the lawmaker.
“Filipino commuters do so not only because these motorcycle taxis are cheaper and more accessible,” added Acop, “but also because they wish to avoid the stressful and time-consuming traffic in several urban areas.”
Last month, the LTFRB confirmed the inclusion of Grab Philippines in the motorcycle taxi pilot study following the approval of the motorcycle taxi technical working group (TWG).
The TWG will be comprised of representatives from the Department of Transportation, Land Transportation Office, LTFRB, Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Senate, House of Representatives, commuter welfare groups, road safety advocates, motorcycle manufacturers, motorcycle organizations and law schools. – Myla Iglesias
