Angkas holds safety retraining of riders ahead of pilot testing

Motorcycle hailing firm Angkas has started the safety retraining of its riders, ahead of the start of the pilot testing for the service this month.

In Saleema Refran's report on GMA News TV's Balitanghali on Wednesday, Angkas Regulatory and Public Affairs Division head George Royeca said riders are now being reminded of safety guidelines to ensure that all trips are safe.

Riders of the firm are also being reoriented on rules and regulations and the new features of the service, such as the new vest which riders will be required to wear.

The new vest will be reflectorized and will contain markings bearing the name of the rider and the information of the motorcycle unit, as well as a safety strap the passengers can cling on to.

Aside from this, riders were also reminded that they may turn away passengers who are only wearing slippers, those wearing loose clothing, intoxicated, sleepy, having heart problems, unable to reach the foot pedals, and those overweight.

"Dapat 'yung passenger, marunong din 'pano maging pasahero," Royeca said in the report.

"Ito 'yung tinatawag natin na dapat hindi magka-counter street, dapat magli-lean in 'dun sa turn, wearing of the safety helmet," he added.

According to Royeca, passengers have the option to advise riders of their desired speed during the trip.

"In control 'yung pasahero sa speed ng motorsiklo. 'Pag hindi nila gusto 'yung speed ng motorsiklo, puwede nila i-tap 'yung shoulder ng driver para mag-slow down," he explained.

This comes as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) last month approved the pilot testing of motorcycle taxis for six months, as the government studies the possibility of further legalizing the service.

Testing is set to begin in June, a month after the approval of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/RSJ, GMA News