Stop motorcycle taxi expansion, Marcos urged

MANILA, Philippines — Various transport groups yesterday appealed to President Marcos to stop the expansion of motorcycle taxis in Metro Manila amid the impending decision of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to authorize several companies as players in the pilot study.

At a press conference, the Coalition of Transport Sectors urged Marcos to order the LTFRB to limit the expansion of motorcycle taxis in areas outside the National Capital Region, where the adverse effects on traffic congestion might be less severe.

“We urgently appeal to the President to listen to the voice of transport stakeholders and direct any expansion efforts to areas outside the congested urban environment of Metro Manila,” Laban TNVS chairman and the coalition’s spokesman Leonardo de Leon said.

Aside from Laban TNVS, other members of the coalition include Defend Jobs Philippines, Coalition of Union Courier Shippers and Services Philippines, Manibela, Mantra, National Confederation of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations of the Philippines, Hataw, Pasang Masda, LTOP, LCSP, NPTC, INHTA, ATOMN and the Motorcycle Rights Organization.

De Leon slammed the LTFRB for allowing more players in the motorcycle taxi pilot study.

“We are against the LTFRB’s move to flood Metro Manila streets with more motorcycle taxis. This decision, which lacks a thorough impact assessment, threatens to diminish the income of transport workers and degrade the quality of our city’s transport ecosystem,” De Leon said.

“Introducing more vehicles in an already saturated environment is a recipe for heightened congestion and decreased public safety,” he added.

De Leon cited reports that the LTFRB and the Department of Transportation’s Technical Working Group would allow more companies to operate as motorcycle taxis.

He said among those that filed applications to join the pilot study are Cloud Panda Philippines Inc., Taxi Philippines Inc., E Pick Me Up Inc., Easy Way Transport Service and Multipurpose Cooperative, Para Express Technology Services Inc., Grab Philippines and Market Innovators Inc.

At present, only three players are allowed to operate as motorcycle taxis: Angkas, Joy Ride and Move It.

Records show that the motorcycle taxi allotment in Metro Manila has reached its 45,000 cap.

The House of Representatives committee on Metro Manila development has pushed for a moratorium on additional players in the motorcycle taxi pilot study.