Angkas demonstrates physical distancing on motorcycle taxis

Ride-hailing firm Angkas on Friday proposed a way to observe physical distancing on motorcycle taxis amid the COVID-19 pandemic, once the government allows it to resume operations. 

In a virtual briefing on Friday, Angkas chief transport advocate George Royeca presented prototypes of the company’s proposed plastic divider-shield between the rider and the passenger.

“It’s high density plastic. It doesn’t shatter, it’s bendable, but it won’t crack. We consulted with several design engineers,” Royeca said referring to the divider-shield.

LOOK: Motorcycle taxi ride-hailing firm Angkas proposes to place a detachable shield between rider and passenger to lessen physical contact. | via @Ted_Cordero pic.twitter.com/I21uBpHF0I

— GMA News (@gmanews) June 19, 2020

Royeca said the divider will be easily detachable, so it can be disinfected every after a ride.

He said that the divider-shield will be “one size fits all” to ensure “mako-cover ‘yung path in case na maha-hatsing.”

“Sana yung pino-propose natin na shield can be studied,” he said.

“Back-riding sana payagan with assurance that we’re able to do it safely,” he added.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, on Thursday, said the Department of Health (DOH) is already studying the company’s proposed “special suit.”

At present, back-riding on motorcycles is prohibited to mitigate risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Bring your own helmet, face mask

Apart from putting a divider-shield between passenger and rider, Angkas is also recommending that passengers should have their own helmets and face masks “para ma-lessen ang contact.”

Also, the company is proposing to conduct private shuttle service. “[Meaning] naka pre-register po at sa app makikita natin for proper contact tracing,” Royeca said.

The Angkas official, however, said the company has not yet discussed with its rider-partners the proposal.

“We haven’t yet talked to the bikers regarding this because the protocols haven’t been approved,” Royeca said.

“Pag-aaral pa lang po to. We haven’t talked to bikers regarding this... but we’re hoping the IATF, DOH will do a study on this,” he said.

For its part, the Department of Transportation said that the pilot study for motorcycle taxis has already expired last April.

“We already submitted our recommendations to the House of Representatives and are awaiting their action if they will be allowed to operate,” it said.

“So, there is nothing to resume in the meantime, unless a new law is passed legalizing their operation and public transport mode,” it added.  —LBG, GMA News