With the surge in motorcycle road accidents, the House committee on Metro Manila development has proposed a moratorium on the expansion of the motorcycle taxi study.
Based on the recent study by the Statista Research Department published last March 14, an average of 49 individuals were involved in motorcycle-related road crashes daily in Metro Manila, a significant increase compared to the previous year.
At a congressional hearing last Wednesday, the House committee on Metro Manila development voiced concerns over the surge in motorcycle road accidents involving participants of the Department of Transportation Technical Working Group (DOTr-TWG) motorcycle taxi pilot study.
This trend, coupled with the capital’s deteriorating traffic conditions, has prompted the committee to propose a moratorium on adding motorcycle taxi players in Metro Manila.
Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua noted the importance of safety in any pilot study concerning motorcycle taxis.
“The most important and relevant parameters in any pilot study on motorcycle taxis’ feasibility study is the safety of motorcycle riders, their passengers, and everyone else on the roads,” Chua said.
Jobert Bolanos, Motorcycle Rights Organization chairman, attributed the alarming rise in motorcycle-related road accidents to the growing number of players in the industry who lack proper training.
The DOTr motorcycle taxi pilot study began in 2019 and now has four operators – Angkas, Joyride, Move It and Grab Philippines – operating in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.
Last December, the Land Transportation Office said it received several applications for the motorcycle taxi pilot study.
These firms include Cloud Panda Philippines Inc., Taxi Philippines Inc., E Pick Me Up Inc., Easy Way Transport Service and Multipurpose Cooperative, Para Express Technology Services Inc., and Market Innovators Inc.
Meanwhile, Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo emphasized the potential repercussions of oversaturating the industry, noting the importance of adhering to the allocations set by the TWG and avoiding violations that could undermine the industry’s integrity.
Gustilo said in light of these concerns, transport and consumer groups are supporting the committee’s suggestion for a moratorium on additional players in the motorcycle taxi pilot study to ensure the well-being of motorcycle riders and the public.
