Commuter group sees ‘motorcycle taxis’ as possible traffic solution

A group advocating commuters' welfare on Wednesday insisted that "motorcycle taxis" could help solve traffic congestion in Metro Manila, despite a Supreme Court court allowing the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to interfere with the operations of motorcycle ride-sharing service Angkas.

In a report by Mark Salazar on GMA News TV's Balitanghali, the Lawyers for Commuter Safety and Protection was quoted as saying that the traffic situation in Metro Manila is in a "state of emergency" and is already adversely affecting the economy.

The group said that allowing motorcycles to serves as a public mode of transport may be considered a good solution because it is relatively cheaper and two-wheeled vehicles can access even narrow road networks.

Some riders welcomed the suggestion, considering the possible income that they may generate.

The issue of road safety, however, is still being raised by some critics.

According to the data from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), road crash fatalities were highest among motorcycle riders in 2016 with 218 deaths.

Non-fatal accidents involving motorcycles in the same year, on the other hand, account for 11,456 cases. — Dona Magsino/MDM, GMA News