DOTr’s TWG recommends extending motorcycle taxis’ pilot run for 6 mos.

The Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) inter-agency Technical Working Group (TWG) on motorcycle taxis has recommended extending the six-month pilot run of motorcycle ride-hailing operations to allow the participation of new players.

The present pilot run involving DBDOYC Inc.’s Angkas will end on December 26.

TWG chairperson and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Board Member Antonio Gardiola Jr. “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 DOTr said Tuesday.

The department heard proposals on November 20, 2019 from motorcycle taxi companies Citimuber, JoyRide, MoveIt, EsetGo, Sakay, and VroomGo, the DOTr noted in a statement.

The TWG is considering extending the pilot run for another six months, Transportation Assistant Secretary for Communications and Commuter Affairs Goddess Libiran said in response to media queries.

An initiative of the DOTr, the TWG was created to gather data and determine the viability of motorcycles as a safe mode of public transportation, which may be taken into consideration during deliberations on pending bills in both houses of Congress.

Its members include representatives from the DOTr, LTFRB, Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (i-ACT).

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

“We also want to determine whether or not motorcycles are really a safe and viable form of public transportation. That is always our priority—the safety, security, and comfort of the riding public,” he said.

In May, the DOTr allowed Angkas to operate as ride-hailing motorcycle taxi for six months starting in June.

The pilot run was approved in aid of legislation in both the House of Representatives and the Senate to evaluate pending bills pushing for the legalization of motorcycles as public utility vehicles (PUVs).

As a result existing laws such as Republic Act No. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code may be amended, according to the DOTr.

“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 said.

Motorcycle taxi pioneer Angkas earlier said it welcomes competition in the industry. —VDS, GMA News