DOTr says Angkas has submitted only 2,204 authorized riders

Angkas has submitted only 2,204 authorized riders to the technical working group (TWG) of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) amid its claims that it has a total of 27,000 rider partners.

"Despite the guidelines set by the TWG for the registration of authorized riders, Angkas has only submitted 2,204 authorized riders as of today, a far cry from its claim of 27,000 rider partners," according to an open letter to Angkas, posted by the DOTr in its social media Monday night.

The TWG, created to study the feasibility of the motorcycle ride-hailing service, also criticized Angkas for resorting to "public spectacle" in its attempt to monopolize the service.

"It is quite unfortunate that ANGKAS has made a public spectacle, and has resorted to emotional blackmail in its attempt to cement its foothold on this transport service," the TWG said.

It added, "It is one thing to make an assiduous representation to state your case and your points on the matter, but it is another thing to use the issue as a forum to protect your vested interest at the expense of the government, which has nothing but the overall public interest in mind."

The inter-agency TWG said "there can be no monopoly in the motorcyle taxi service as this goes against public interest."

"What the government wants to promote is healthy competition among service providers, to ensure that the commuter can avail of the best choice," it added.

Earlier, the TWG announced it was extending the six-month pilot run of motorcycle ride-hailing operations, with the inclusion of two new players  — JoyRide and Move It.

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

Angkas on Saturday hit the TWG's decision to put a cap on each of the three service providers in the extended pilot run of operations, saying it would displace 17,000 bikers.

The inter-agency group allotted a cap of 39,000 registered bikers — 10,000 bikers per Transport Network Company (TNC) for Metro Manila and 3,000 bikers per TNC for Metro Cebu operations. —LDF, GMA News