DOTr OKs motorcycle taxi operations

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is set to begin the pilot implementation of the operation of motorcycle taxis in the country next month, the agency said yesterday.

In a statement, the DOTr said it will partner with ride-hailing service Angkas for the pilot implementation, which will begin in June and last six months, across Metro Manila and Metro Cebu.

The approval was a result of of the recommendation of a technical working group composed of representatives from the DOTr, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, Metro Manila Development Authority, Senate, House of Representatives, commuter welfare groups, road safety advocates, motorcycle manufacturers, motorcycle organizations and law schools.

Under the general guidelines of the pilot implementation, motorcycle taxis will charge passengers P50 for the first two kilometers and an additional P10/km up to seven km for Metro Manila. An additional P15 per km will be charged per succeeding km in excess of seven km.

Fares for Metro Cebu will start at P20 for the first km and an additional P15 per km up to eight km, while P20 per km will be charged for every succeeding km in excess of eight km.

The DOTr said it will also implement a 1.5x surge cap as fares are determined by supply and demand indicators, but this may be adjusted and reviewed by the LTRFB.

Meanwhile, the DOTr emphasized that only motorcycle ride-hailing apps are allowed to operate under the pilot program.

These ride-hailing platforms will be required to submit data on accidents, complaints from passengers and distance and fares of trips per month.

 The TWG has also implemented a number of key performance indicators to ensure the efficiency of the pilot implementation. Among these KPIs are accident threshold, reported traffic violations and feedback from frequent customers.

DOTr Undersecretary for road transport and infrastructure Mark de Leon said the pilot implementation program is important as it would help refine the general guidelines for the operations of these motorcycle taxis.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade urged ride-hailing apps to follow safety requirements and other guidelines for their operations.

Angkas, the lone motorcycle taxi application operator in the country, lauded the passage of the general guidelines.

George Royeca, Angkas head for regulatory affairs, said that they are happy and thankful for the “openness” of the DOTr.

“We hope that the positive results of our pilot will be used as the basis for passing our much needed law for motorcycle-taxis,” he said in a text message. 

Safety rules

The rider and passenger should comply with safety gear laws by wearing a helmet, vest and proper uniform. 

Riders should drive no faster than 60 km per hour and abide by all traffic rules and regulations, as well as ensure that the vehicle is routinely maintained and in good condition.

A maximum of 10 hours of duty will be imposed on the riders.

Motorcycle specifications were also provided for in the general guidelines. The motorcycle should have a 100 to 200 cc conventional engine displacement and have the pillion seat and foot pegs in good condition.

There should be no modifications made to the engine, air intake, exhaust or its wiring, the DOTr said.