THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has urged Congress to continue the pilot study for motorcycle taxis as it needs to address some issues.
Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza who is also vice chair of the DOTR technical working group (TWG) opposed the termination of the MC taxi pilot study by the DOTr.
Mendoza said gaps that must be addressed included issues like multi-homing and liabilities. He also emphasized the importance of a
transition period to ensure the proper implementation of the study.
The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) earlier asked the TWG to consider the pro-competitive effects of multi-homing in its study.
A multi-homing policy allows drivers to choose which platform to offer their services, the same way that passengers can choose among
different apps.
The PCC said multi-homing also incentivizes platforms to continuously innovate and compete to keep both drivers and passengers safe and
satisfied.
“Preventing multi-homing among drivers may lead to inefficiencies that will ultimately be detrimental to the riding public,” it added.
Mendoza’s appeal comes in response to SAGIP party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta’s inquiry as to why the MC Taxi Pilot Study is still
ongoing when a previous document indicated its end in 2021
Marcoleta questioned the DOTr-TWG’s rationale for limiting participation to only three players – Angkas, Move It, and Joy Ride.
He also sought clarification on the increase in rider allocation.
Teofilo Guadiz, chairman of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said the MC Taxi Pilot study, which
started in 2019, was temporarily suspended due to the pandemic and resumed in 2020.
“Its purpose is to provide recommendations on safety, security, franchising, regulatory procedures, and law enforcement issues,” he
added.
The TWG will present recommendations on the extension of the MC Taxi Pilot study, multi-homing, rider cap allocation, entry of new players,
liabilities, and more. The House expects this comprehensive report within 45 days.