DOTr reconstitutes motorcycle taxi TWG

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has reconvened the technical working group (TWG) on motorcycle taxi to oversee and monitor the continuous pilot implementation of motorcycle (MC) taxi operations.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista on November 7, 2022 issued Department Order No. 2022-2021, which reconstituted the motorcycle taxi TWG.

Bautista said that pending enactment of a law, “there is a need to have a body that will oversee and monitor the continuous implementation of the MC taxi operations.”

The order provides that the TWG shall be composed of the DOTr Assistant Secretary and chief of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) as chair; a board member of the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) as vice chair; and the chief of the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic, chairperson of the Office for Transportation Cooperatives, chief of the LTO-Law Enforcement Staff, chief of the LTFRB Technical Division, and representatives from the DOTr Road Transport and Infrastructure Office, or their duly authorized representatives, as members.

Meanwhile, the secretariat of the TWG shall be composed of representatives from the LTO and LTFRB.

Representatives from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Committees on Transportation of the House of Representatives and the Senate shall also form part of the TWG to ensure that a whole-of-government approach is undertaken in the issuance of additional guidelines for the continued pilot implementation.

Aside from monitoring and overseeing the MC taxi pilot implementation, the TWG has the power to review and supplement guidelines and regulations, as maybe necessary; ensure proper and effective coordination among all concerned government agencies and stakeholders involved; and ensure that the data and information from the pilot implementation shall be properly reviewed and submitted to Congress.

In a statement, Grab-led motorcycle taxi platform Move It said it welcomes the DOTr order reconstituting the TWG on MC taxis, calling it a “win-win” solution for commuters and industry drivers.

“The reconstitution of the TWG ensures the continuous operation of MC taxis pending enactment of the appropriate legislation legalizing and regulating the MC ride-hailing service in the country,” Move It said.

“While we await for that law, it is important that our commuters continue to have access to an affordable, safe and faster mode of public transportation that is MC taxi,” it added.

Move It said the DOTr order helps provide continuous relief to thousands of commuters, as well as allow individuals an option for a better livelihood.

Move It, one of the three firms taking part in the government-backed pilot study for the safety and viability of MC taxis, expressed hope the reconstitution of TWG will lead to the swift passage of the proposed “MC Taxi Act.”

“We earnestly hope that the reconvening of the TWG will provide a stronger basis for the MC taxi to be legalized,” it said.

“The growing traffic concern calls for various innovative options. In the metropolis, the legalization of MC taxis creates a seamless door to door experience for commuters,” it added.

Move It also said its appeal for the government to open up the motorcycle industry to “free and open competition” for the benefit of the riding public.

“It is about time that the government allows more players and not limit the MC taxi business to only three companies so that we can give our commuters more options. The convenience and safety of our commuters should be our primordial concern,” it said.—AOL, GMA Integrated News