Several transport and consumer groups have thrown their support behind the House Committee on Metro Manila Development’s (CMMD) proposal for a moratorium on additional players in the motorcycle taxi pilot study in Metro Manila.
During the CMMD’s recent hearing, Manila 3rd District Rep. CMMD Vice Chair Joel Chua emphasized the urgent need for a pause in expansion, citing the worsening traffic congestion in the capital, the alarming rise in motorcycle accidents, and the adverse effects on the livelihoods of other transportation sectors.
National Confederation of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (NACTODAP) President Ariel Lim voiced strong support for the CMMD’s proposal, emphasizing that their livelihoods are severely impacted by the expansion of the motorcycle taxi study.
“Kami po ang haharang dito dahil kami po ang tinatamaan,” Lim asserted.
Pasang Masda President Obet Martin echoed Lim’s sentiments, expressing opposition to the entry of new modes of transportation that further diminish the incomes of transport sector members.
“Tulungan niyo po kami na matigil na po ang pagdadagdag pa ng mga klase ng moda ng transportasyon sa ating bansa. Sobra-sobra na po,” Martin said.
Taxi drivers, like many others in the transport sector, have felt the brunt of the increasing competition from motorcycle taxis.
One driver shared his struggle to earn income amidst the abundance of motorcycle taxis, often resulting in negative earnings after factoring in expenses like boundary fees and gas.
Similarly, Laban TNVS President Jun de Leon highlighted the challenges faced by TNVS drivers, emphasizing the impact of increased competition on their ability to secure passengers.
“Kung magdadagdag po ng napakaraming unit ang motorcycle taxi at cars, mahahati po talaga ang kita ng existing. Ngayon po naghihikahos ang lahat, nasa ilalim ng puno ng manga karamihan ng drivers, nag aantay ng booking. Ramdam na ramdam po ng TNVS community ang tumal,” de Leon shared.
Inland Haulers and Truckers Association (INHTA) President Teddy Gervacio supported the moratorium, stressing the need for comprehensive solutions to address road safety concerns and traffic management.
“Pakita po muna natin yung readiness natin hindi lang sa pagdadagdag to address yung problema sa kakulangan ng sasakyan but more of sistema sa kalsada,” said Gervacio.
Meanwhile, Motorcycle Rights Organization Chairman Jobert Bolanos expressed grave concerns about the rising number of road violations and motorcycle accidents due to inadequate training among some participants in the pilot study.
Bolanos specifically pointed out Move It, an MC Taxi company acquired by Grab Philippines, which boasts a significantly higher passing rate for riders compared to its competitors.
“Dapat pinapangalagaan natin ang safety standards natin na pinaka importante sa lahat bago yung pagbibigay ng trabaho sa mamamayang Pilipino dahil ang seguridad po ng kanilang trabaho ay nakasalalay kung gaano sila ka-ligtas sa kalsada. Dapat talaga bigyan ng pansin ito dahil nagdadagdag po tayo ng participants sa pilot study na hindi kinukunsulta yung mga members ng TWG at stakeholders,” explained Bolanos.
Digital Pinoys National Campaigner Ronald Gustilo is also backing the proposed moratorium, suggesting an inventory of players in the MC Taxi Pilot study to prevent oversaturation in the market.
“Pagka sobrang dami ng nilabas na alokasyon, yung mismong industriya na gusto nating itaguyod ay masisira din po. Kung sobrang dami na ng rider versus demand ng pasahero, mas maraming matetengga na rider. Masasayang ang kanilang oras kagaya sa kaso ng ating TNVS at taxi operators,” said Gustilo.
The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board has committed to announcing their decision on the proposed moratorium within seven days.