DOTr approves six-month pilot ops of Angkas, other motorcycle taxis

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has approved the pilot operations of motorcycle taxis in the country for six months.

With this development, motorcycle-hailing application Angkas may begin its operations in June.

Services of motorcycle taxis will be rolled out in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu, according to DOTr.

“Patunay ito na nakikinig ang gobyerno sa publiko. Patunay ito na bukas ang aming mga isip. Noong Disyembre ay inatasan natin ang pagbuo ng TWG (techical working group) at itong general guidelines ang bunga ng mga pagpupulong na iyon,” DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

Following this, Tugade reminded motorcycle taxi drivers as well as their passengers to wear safety gears such as helmet, reflectorized vest and vest-based strap.

He also reminded drivers of the 60 kilometers per hour speed limit.

“Mariin naming binabalaan ang mga ride-hailing service na sumunod sa safety requirements sa kanilang operasyon. Huwag ninyong sayangin ang tiwalang ipinagkaloob namin sa inyo sa pagbibigay ng serbisyo publiko sa mga commuter," Tugade said.

"Pangunahing responsibilidad natin ang kaligtasan ng publiko. Kaya kapag pumalya kayo sa pamantayan natin, we will not have second thoughts on halting the pilot implementation,” he added.

Regarding the fare, the DOTr said P50 would be the base fare for the first two kilometers of the ride in Metro Manila while an additional P10 to P15 per kilometer will be charged for the succeeding kilometers.

In Metro Cebu, P20 would be the charged for the first kilometer. An additional P16 to P20 will be charged for the succeeding kilometers.

The DOTr noted that while the pilot operation is being implemented, ride-hailing services are required to submit a monthly report that contains passenger complaints, road crashes involving their motorcyles, their travel distance and the fares charged from passengers.

Around 27,000 riders will join the pilot implementation, according to the DOTr. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News