Cebu City Council supports Angkas

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council is supporting the ongoing operation of Angkas in the city despite request from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for it to stop.

Angkas, which has over 100 registered motorcycle-based riders, is an online booking system wherein passengers use a mobile application to book pick-up and drop-off locations for a fixed upfront price.

In a resolution the Council approved, Councilor Pastor Alcover, Jr. said the city should support the operation considering that the application is offering cheaper fares compared to the existing habal-habal operations in the city.

“In Cebu City, as traffic conditions worsened, commuters are suffering from the lack of efficient mass transport system, making the habal-habal transportation as a practical and viable alternative,” reads part of the resolution.

Alcover said residents in the city, both in upland and lowland barangays, use motorcycles-for-hire as a means of public transportation.

He said the online booking system, which includes Angkas and Uber Moto, is offering “safer and cheaper” services to the riding public.

“In the interest of public service, the City Government of Cebu, has tolerated the operation of such motorcycle hailing service using the online application booking, specifically the Angkas, to ply the streets of the city despite the LTFRB’s objection,” Alcover said.

It was LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra who issued a statement about the “illegality” of Angkas’ operations, considering that the riders do not have permits to operate and carry passengers.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña also expressed support of the new transportation scheme in the city.

Uber Moto is yet to begin operations while Angkas has been running in the streets for almost a month now.

Alcover said habal-habal transportation can be seen in majority of the city’s thoroughfares, which means the Angkas and Uber Moto are also catering to the needs of commuters.

“The Angkas as well as Uber Moto provide affordable rates, and are safer compared to the regular habal-habals as the passengers can readily identify the name of the driver, pickup and drop-off locations,” he said.

The new scheme, Alcover said, allows the companies, Angkas and Uber Moto, to screen the drivers before they will be involved in the operation.

He said drivers will undergo skill assessment programs, background checks, and safety training.

Unlike the ordinary habal-habal operations, Angkas and Uber Moto are equipping their passenger with helmets, hair caps, and face masks. —/ JBB (FREEMAN)