Only 3 firms allowed to operate motorcycle taxis

MANILA, Philippines — Only three companies are authorized to operate motorcycle taxis, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said yesterday.

Angkas, JoyRide and Move It are covered by the motor taxi pilot study, according to LTFRB executive director Roberto Peig.

A technical working group was tasked to handle the motorcycle taxi pilot study, he added.

The pilot study of motorcycle taxi operation in the country is now in its fifth year, Peig said.

Transport groups have asked the LTFRB to stop the accreditation of more motorcycle taxis, saying it will affect the revenues of existing public utility vehicles.

National Public Transport Coalition and the National Confederation of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (NACTODAP) said the LTFRB should allow the conclusion of the ongoing study on motorcycle taxis before accepting more applications, noting that the issue is now being tackled in Congress.

NACTODAP president Ariel Lim said that allowing additional players in the pilot study will affect the daily earnings of its members.

Lim noted that the increased popularity of motorcycles and the proliferation of unregulated habal-habal (private motorcycles used by their owners to offer rides to commuters) caused a decline in the revenues of drivers of tricycles, jeepneys, UV Express vehicles, taxis and pedicabs.

He appealed to President Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez to immediately act on the plan to add more motorcycle taxis in the country, particularly in Metro Manila.

Lim said consultations should include all affected transport sectors to come up with a win-win solution to the problem.