House panel seeks moratorium on adding more MC taxi players in Metro Manila

Amid the rise in motorcycle road accidents, the House Committee on Metro Manila Development (CMMD) is seeking a moratorium on further increasing players in the Department of Transportation (DOTr)-led pilot study on the two-wheeled vehicle’s viability as a mode of public transportation.

In particular, CMMD vice chairperson and Manila Representative Joel Chua emphasized the importance of safety in any pilot study concerning motorcycle taxis. 

“The most important and relevant parameters in any pilot study on motorcycle taxis feasibility study is the safety of motorcycle riders, their passengers, and everyone else on the roads. This is very important considering lately, I’ve been noticing on social media maraming nagvi-viral na accident sa motorcycle,” Chua said.

The lawmaker said this prompted CMMD to propose a moratorium on the addition of further motorcycle taxi players in Metro Manila.

Currently, the DOTr-Technical Working Group MC Taxi Pilot Study allows only three players to operate, namely Angkas, JoyRide, and Grab-led Move It.

For his part, Motorcycle Rights Organization chairman Jobert Bolanos said the rise in motorcycle-related road accidents could be attributed to the growing number of players in the motorcycle taxi industry who lack proper training. 

Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo echoed Bolanos’ concerns, saying that if more players are allowed in the pilot study, this could spell more problems amid the surge in motorcycle-related road accidents.

Gustilo also stressed the repercussions of oversaturating the industry, stressing the importance of adhering to the allocations set by the Technical Working Group and avoiding violations that could undermine the industry’s integrity. 

In light of these concerns, the said transport and consumer groups are supporting the CMMD’s suggestion for a moratorium on additional players in the MC Taxi pilot study to ensure the well-being of motorcycle riders and the public at large.—AOL, GMA Integrated News