Govt urged to expand motorcycle taxi pilot program
By J.Lo
“As we reopen economy, we’ll need public transportation… land sector rail, buses, jeepneys aren’t ready yet for a sharp rise in demand from commuting public,” House of Representatives committee on transportation chairman Edgar Sarmiento is urging the government to expand ongoing motorcycle taxi program by allowing at least four motorcycle taxi firms to participate.
Sarmiento, who represents first district of Samar in the lower chamber, lamented why only two firms, Angkas and JoyRide, are currently in motorcycle taxi pilot program.
Move It, while included in the pilot program, has a small business footprint to make impact, he said.
Sarmiento said “there should be at least four players in the program, so that commuters would have more choices.”
The lawmaker earlier called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to reconsider its decision to defer the partnership between Grab and Move It.
Sarmiento argued that trains, buses, and jeepneys are still limited to filling up just 70% of their seats.
“That means 30% are dislocated. …how are they going to commute…while we’re reopening the economy, everyone should be ready, including those on two wheels, the motorcycle taxis,” he said.
There are now over seven million motorcycles across the Philippines from just 3.5 million in 2010, according to the lawmaker.
Sarmiento said just fraction of that number would be more than enough to meet the commuting public’s needs.
The lawmaker is the main author of House Bill 10572, which seeks to legalize and regulate operations of firms providing motorcycle-for-hire services.
Once it becomes a law, the bill will allow all qualified companies that employ motorcycle riders via ride-hailing apps to ferry passengers or deliver food, parcels and mails to secure franchise from the government.
The bill, which is consolidation of 18 other proposals, has already passed third reading.
The Senate is working on a different version of the measure.
Sarmiento remains hopeful that President Rodrigo Duterte will be able to sign motorcycle taxi law before he steps down on June 30.
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