Grab ‘seriously considering’ to revive motorcycle taxi business

Ride-hailing company Grab Philippines is considering to revive its motorcycle taxi business after the government recently gave the green light for the resumption of motorcycle taxi operations.

At a virtual press briefing, Grab Philippines head of Transport Ronald Roda said the firm is “seriously considering” to venture anew into motorcycle ride-hailing if given a chance by the government.

Roda said the Grab might approach the Department of Transportation (DOTr) as the company seeks to take advantage of the recent announcement that the House of Representatives allowed the revival of the pilot study on motorcycle taxis.

He said this could be an opportunity to reintroduce GrabBike, which was stopped in 2016 amid issues of safety on this mode of transport.

The Grab official said that while the company can easily venture into motorcycle hailing with its 70,000-strong fleet of two-wheeler riders "there is a need for safety training.”

Operations of motorcycle taxis were cut short in March, ahead of the pilot study’s expiration in April, due to the enforcement of an enhanced community quarantine in the entire Luzon to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Last week, Angkas said it is prepared to activate its fleet of 30,000-strong partner-riders after the government gave the thumbs up on the resumption of motorcycle taxi operations.

Apart from Angkas, JoyRide and Move It were also part of the motorcycle taxi pilot study.

Transportation authorities have yet to issue guidelines for the safe resumption of motorcycle taxis amid the COVID-19 pandemic. -MDM, GMA News