VARIOUS transport organizations have united once again to oppose the Marcos Jr. administration plan to introduce a new motorcycle taxi player, particularly in Metro Manila.
Under the pilot program for Motorcycle Taxis, three companies have been permitted by the government to operate.
These are Angkas, Joyride, and Move It, while Grab has been disqualified.
According to tricycle operators, they will be most affected because they will lose passengers if the number of motorcycle taxis increases.
The group argues that it is unfair because both tricycle and motorcycle taxi drivers pay taxes, and they acknowledge that they cannot pick up passengers on major highways like those on motorcycles.
“But they should also consider how many tricycle drivers, jeepney drivers, taxi drivers, and other UV Express drivers are affected because of this motorcycle taxi,” according to Reynaldo Bautista, Tricycle Group.
Taxi groups are also complaining about reduced income due to increased competition. They wonder what will happen if more motorcycle taxi players are allowed.
“Earlier, from the start of my shift at 9:30 in the morning until 3 o’clock—my earnings were only Php600. I spent a hundred on food, 500 on fuel. Nothing left for me. So, there’s no boundary, no earnings left. All because of those motorcycle taxis,” Gerry Donesa Taxi Group, said.
There are currently 51,000 MC Taxi Slots in Metro Manila.
But according to the transport group, the actual number exceeds 51,000.
The LTFRB has approved 8,000 new motorcycle taxi units.
“Sorry Chairman, you’re my friend—Guadiz. Do you want to expand? Go to the provinces, not Metro Manila—why add more here? The discussion was about expansion outside Metro Manila and additional studies, and extension of studies because there’s a lack of data. (In six years, haven’t you finished?) 5 years, still no results from the study? There’s a report, there are recommendations,” Ariel Lim National President, NACTODAP, stated.
The LTFRB suggests to Congress to conclude the pilot study for motorcycle taxis by May.
In conclusion, the transport group hopes that the issues within the sector will be resolved.
Especially since it’s clear that Grab’s purchase of Move It, even though the MC Taxi is still in its pilot phase in the country, is wrong.
Grab and Move It deals deemed illegal by transport groups
“Move It was sold to Grab! Right? To Grab. We opposed it because it’s wrong. Right? How can you sell it when it’s still in the pilot phase? They released statements themselves saying it can’t be used (we have records, check the media) They held a press conference. Move It cannot use Grab. It means their application, their training ground—it came from them. ED spoke there— their Executive Director. But why is it that until now, Grab running and being used by them? Did you see it in Cubao? All those vehicles there are powered by Grab,” Lim added.
