Are Motorcycle Taxis a Threat to Other PUVs? The LTFRB Says No

Motorcycle taxis do not represent a direct threat to the livelihood of other public utility vehicles (PUVs) like jeepneys and tricycles, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). 

LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said that stakeholders in the public transportation sector maintain that the client base for motorcycle taxis differs significantly from that of traditional PUVs.

"Motorcycle taxis cater to individuals in a hurry, commuting directly from their homes to offices,” Guadiz said on Monday (March 11). “On the other hand, jeepneys have a distinct client base, providing transportation from one terminal to another.”

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The LTFRB chair was reacting to statements made by several transport groups who called on the agency to review its policies on motorcycle taxi. The groups want the LTFRB to stop the accreditation of new motorcycle taxi operators, claiming that the relatively new transport mode poses a threat to their livelihood. 

Motorcycle taxis are actually still not technically legal in the Philippines but some operators like Angkas, JoyRide, and Move It are allowed to operate under a pilot study that started in 2019. However, the LTFRB said it is finalizing the accreditation of several new motorcycle taxi companies to encourage fiercer competition in the industry.

There was an attempt by the previous Congress to legalize the operations of motorcycles in the country but this was halted due to the pandemic.  Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista has since called on lawmakers to hasten its deliberations on crafting a law that will enable the government to regulate motorcycle taxis. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has already voiced his support to legalize and expand the operations of motorcycle taxis in the Philippines.  

Meanwhile in the Lower House, Transportation Committee Chair Rep. Romeo Acop In a recent hearing said there is a need for a comprehensive approach in finalizing legislation governing motorcycles for hire. He acknowledged that Filipino commuters turn to motorcycle taxis due to their affordability, convenience, and the lack of efficient public transportation options. 

Acop stressed the legislative priority of the House in finalizing the motorcycle-for-hire law.