Group pushes for passage of Motorcycle Taxi Law

Motorcycle Taxi Community Philippines (MTCP), a group of motorcycle taxi riders, on Tuesday urged the Senate to expedite the passage of a law that would regulate the motorcycle ride-hailing sector.

In a statement, MTCP chairman Romeo Maglunsod called on the Senate Committee on Public Services, chaired by Senator Raffy Tulfo, “to prioritize and accelerate the legalization of motorcycle taxis nationwide.”

Maglunsod said that the pilot program, which allows the operations of motorcycle taxis as public transportation sans, is now in its fifth year and needs to be institutionalized by a law.

The motorcycle taxi sector has been operating under a pilot program launched in 2019, involving companies such as Angkas, JoyRide, and Move It, with a combined 45,000 riders in Metro Manila.

The program aims to evaluate the viability and safety of motorcycles-for-hire as a public transportation option.

Maglunsod said that enacting the Motorcycle Taxi law “would significantly boost commuters' confidence in using motorcycle taxis as a dependable, affordable, and safe mode of transportation.”

He added that for commuters, motorcycle taxis provide a practical solution to urban traffic woes.

"With proper regulation in place, it would also ensure consistent safety standards, fair practices, and improved services,” Maglunsod said.

The MTCP also expressed concern that the continued impasse in the law’s passage could hinder the industry's progress and its potential to contribute to economic growth by providing livelihood opportunities.

--Ted Cordero/ VAL, GMA Integrated News