Marcos backs motorcycle taxi service expansion

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed support for the proposal to expand the operation of the motorcycle ride taxi services outside Metro Manila to ease the country's transport woes.

During the open forum of the Bagong Pilipinas Town Hall Meeting on Traffic Concerns in San Juan City, Marcos emphasized the importance of expanding motorcycle services to cater to the growing demand for deliveries and other essential services.

«Motorcycles are really important — all their services, their deliveries,» the President said, noting that there are around 15 million riders in the country.

Marcos also acknowledged the role that motorcycle services play in solving the needs of Filipinos in several cities where traffic congestion poses a significant challenge.

To address this issue, the President outlined the strategies being considered to facilitate the expansion of motorcycle services in high-traffic areas.

«That's why we're trying to see other areas, high-traffic areas, where we can expand our motorcycle services,» Marcos said.

The President also emphasized the importance of adopting a holistic approach to this expansion endeavor.

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He underscored the necessity of considering various factors, such as infrastructure, regulations and safety measures, to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the proposed strategies.

There is still no law legalizing motorcycle taxis as an alternative transport.

A pilot study that began in 2019 is now being carried out to serve as the foundation for motorcycle taxi legislation. Only three companies — Angkas, Joyride and Move It — were given permits to participate in the study.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III recently announced that the LTFRB authorized at least 8,000 more units of motorcycle taxis and the agency stopped the expansion as the pilot study is scheduled to end in May.

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Guadiz said 2,000 slots each were given to four more motorcycle taxi players and the new companies have until April 15 to complete their allocation.

At the same forum on Wednesday, Marcos said his administration will continue pushing for the construction of a mass