Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 23) – The interagency body working on the pilot run of the motorcycle taxi service Angkas said that the latter is just overreacting regarding the government’s new policy on the test.
This comes after the ride-hailing firm said on weekend that 17,000 of their drivers might lose their jobs after the Department of Transportation limited the number of riders who could join the test run. Only 10,000 riders per group are allowed in Metro Manila, while 3,000 per group in Metro Cebu.
READ: New policy may displace thousands of Angkas riders, motorcycle-taxi firm says
“Ang pinag-aaralan dito is safety, wala tayong pinag-aaralan kung magkano ang kikitain mo […] kung gusto niyo talaga mag-operate kasi in the coming years, kung ma-approve, edi andyan kayo!” said Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) board member Antonio Gardiola, Jr.
[Translation: We are studying the safety here, we don’t care about how much would you earn […] If you really wanted to operate in the coming years, if you will be approved, you are just there!]
The six-month pilot run of Angkas was supposed to end this week, but the regulators decided to extend for another three months. This time two new motorcycle taxi firms will join the test – Joyride and Move It.
Gardiola said that the inclusion of the two new ride service providers will help regulators study the adaptability of motorcycle taxis as mode of public transportation.
“Makaka-kuha tayo ng idea from other providers hindi lang yung isa ang gusto niya mangyare,” he said.
[Translation: We could get ideas from the other providers and not just focus on what you solely wanted to happen.]
With the inclusion of the Joyride and Move It, regulators said that the displaced riders of Angkas could transfer to the other two.
“On the matter of job displacement and loss of livelihood of your riders, it is not true that your 17,000 ride partners will be displaced. On the contrary, they actually have the option to choose the best employment/partnership terms either from you, or the two other participants in the program, JoyRide and Move It,” said LTFRB in a statement.
Further, LTFRB said that the three operators were given an overall allotted cap of 39,000 riders.
“In fact, there is a need to hire more as the Technical Working Group (TWG) has recommended to increase the pilot run participants to 39,000 from the current 27,000 now in place,” said in a statement.
Some Angkas drivers, they have to adjust with the policies of the new motorcycle taxi operators if they would have the chance to transfer.
“Yung seminar nila mas okay po eh. Yung sa Joyride hindi pa namin subok kung ayos ba training nila sa rider, para din po sa pasahero,” said Angkas driver Jomar Yumol.
[Translation: Their seminar is better. We don’t have an idea if Joyride’s training for the riders and passengers is okay.]
READ: LTFRB counters Angkas: More motor taxis expected next year
CNN Philippines’ AC Nicholls and Vince Ferreras contributed to this report
