LTFRB rejects GrabBike, Dingdong RiderKo accreditation bids

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has denied the accreditation applications of GrabBike and Dingdong RiderKo, a motorcycle taxi service associated with actor Dingdong Dantes, for failing to meet the agency's requirements.

The LTFRB said the two motorcycle taxi platform providers (MTPPs), which had previously been granted authority to operate under the government's motorcycle taxi pilot study, purportedly failed to demonstrate their continued participation in the program.

GrabBike and Dingdong RiderKo "failed to prove continued operation of motorcycle taxi service, active participation, and compliance with the Pilot Study," the agency said.

"For this reason, the Board is constrained to deny your application for accreditation as a Motorcycle Taxi Platform Provider," the LTFRB said.

The agency cited Section 5 of Department Order No. 2026-006, which excludes motorcycle taxi operators whose previous authority under the pilot study had lapsed or expired, or who failed to maintain active participation and compliance with the program.

"The Order expressly provides that MTPPs whose previous pilot authority lapsed, expired, or was not maintained through active participation and compliance are excluded from the coverage of the Order," the LTFRB said.

The agency reminded motorcycle taxi platform providers to comply with all requirements set by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to operate legally.

GrabBike marked ride-hailing giant Grab Philippines' initial venture into the motorcycle taxi market.

Following GrabBike's short-lived operations, the company considered reviving the service in 2020.

Grab Philippines later acquired motorcycle taxi firm Move It in 2022, establishing its presence in the motorcycle taxi market.

Meanwhile, Dingdong PH initially launched as a delivery service and later expanded into motorcycle taxi operations through RiderKo.

GMA News Online has reached out to Grab Philippines and Dingdong PH for comment on the LTFRB's decision but has yet to receive their responses as of posting time.— MCG, GMA News

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