LTFRB TWG finds motorcycle taxis safe as public transport

A technical working group (TWG) by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has recommended to Congress the integration of motorcycle taxis as a safe and viable means of public transportation.

The study titled, "Motorcycle Taxis in the Philippines: A Comprehensive Analysis for Permanent Integration", obtained exclusively by GMA Integrated News, showed that motorcycle taxis "as a permanent mode in the country's transportation system is both feasible and advantageous."

It also said that these "have the potential to alleviate traffic congestion by reducing the number of vehicles on the road, thus improving traffic flow."

Currently, the law does not allow motorcycle taxis to ply Philippine roads. Congress, however, gave the green light for motorcycle taxis to serve commuters under a pilot study program, which started in 2019, to determine if these are safe for public transport.

Motorcyle taxis have also created jobs to more than 68,000 riders currently registered in operating transport network companies (TNCs) in the country.

The pilot study included three transportation network companies—Angkas, Joyride and Move-it—and covered Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro.

In 2024, four more TNCs were allowed to operate, namely Taxsee, Para Xpress, Dingdong PH, and Grab.

Students, office workers

LTFRB Chairman Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III said that motorcycle taxis are a stop-gap measure in the country's transportation system, noting that they usually cater to office workers and students who are scrambling to go to work or school in the morning.

"Maraming sumasakay lang sa umaga papasok ng opisina. Pauwi ng bahay, a lot more would ride a jeep or a bus (Many of them ride motorcycle taxis in the morning going to the office. Going home, a lot would ride a jeep or a bus)," Guadiz said.

The TWG study also showed that TNCs cater to some 370,000 commuters daily nationwide.

"The assessment of safety and security indicates stringent regulations and comprehensive rider training, MC taxis can provide a safe and reliable transportation option for the public," the study said.

Based on data provided by the TNCs from 2019 to 2024, more than 5,000 accidents were recorded, of which seven were fatal.

However, data from the Highway Patrol Group in 2023 showed that accidents involving motorcycles in general, whether public or private, rank second with 12,192 incidents to automobiles with 16,705 accidents.

"Despite the widespread focus on motorcycle safety, it is automobiles that dominate the statistics," the study said.

Up to Congress

The TWG study has been submitted to Congress, which is drafting a law that would legalize motorcycles-for-hire.

House committee on transportation chairman Romeo Acop of Antipolo City said that the proposed measure would include training as a requirement for motorcycle riders similar to car owners.

"Just look at the way motorcycle drivers are on the road. Dapat bago ka mapasama sa motorcycle taxi o motorcycles for hire, dapat may formal training," Acop said.

(Just look at the way motorcycle drivers are on the road. Before becoming part of the the motorcycle taxi or motorcycles for hire industry, they should undergo formal training.)

The "motorcycles-for-hire" bill is on second reading at the House of Representatives, while a counterpart bill in the Senate is still in the committee level.

Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate committee on transportation, said that the results of the study would support the industry's expansion and wider operation in the country.

Poe expressed hope that Congress would enact the law before the end of next year. — VDV, GMA Integrated News