(Eagle News)–The Department of Transportation has approved the pilot implementation of motorcycle taxis in the country.
With the approval, motorcycle firm Angkas will now be allowed to operate for six months starting the first half of June, or a month after Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade signed the general guidelines for the implementation, and following the implementation of a public awareness campaign.
Metro Manila and Metro Cebu are covered by the pilot implementation, which was approved following the recommendation of a Technical Working Group composed of representatives from the DOTr, the Land Transportation Office, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, commuter welfare groups, among others.
“Patunay ito na nakikinig ang gobyerno sa publiko. Patunay ito na bukas ang aming mga isip,” Tugade said in a statement.
Safety requirements
In the same statement, Tugade warned ride-hailing services involved to abide by the safety guidelines in place or face a halt in the pilot implementation.
Under the guidelines, the wearing by the driver and passenger of a safety helmet, a reflectorized vest and a vest-based strap or belt is required.
Drivers should also wear their uniforms, and should not exceed the maximum 10 hours of travel allowed per day.
Vehicles should also follow the maximum speed limit of 60 kilometers per hour, be well-maintained, and should be insured at an amount that is the same or higher than the one in the Passenger Personal Accident Insurance Program.
Fare matrix
During the pilot implementation in Metro Manila, passengers will pay P50 for the first two kilometers travelled, and P15 for the succeeding ones.
“Dahil dynamic ang singilan batay sa supply and demand, magpapataw ng 1.5x cap sa surge o pag-akyat ng singil,” the DOTr said.
In Metro Cebu, passengers will be charged P20 for the first kilometer, P16 per kilometer up to eight kilometers, and P20 per kilometer in excess of the first eight kilometers.
The LTFRB has the power to review and revise the surge cap.