MANILA, Philippines — The resumption of motorcycle taxi operations nears as the guidelines to ensure the health and safety of passengers and riders have been released, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said yesterday.
“We want to have motorcycle taxis back on the roads to help our fellowmen in their transportation needs. We also assure the public that the minimum standards and protocols will be enforced,” Transportation Assistant Secretary for road transport and infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor said.
National Action Plan against COVID-19 deputy chief implementer Vince Dizon said the operational guidelines for motorcycle taxis were approved last week.
Dizon said part of the guidelines is the mandatory use of barriers with specifications approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Passengers must bring their own helmets that comply with specifications issued by the Land Transportation Office.
Aside from wearing face masks and helmet, Dizon said motorcycle riders are also required to undergo regular testing for COVID-19.
The motorcycle taxi operators – Angkas, JoyRide and MoveIt – should be able to provide cashless transactions to avoid the transfer of money.