Deputy Speaker and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Ray Villafuerte on Sunday called on transport officials to look into the legalization of bike-for-hire service as another mode of transportation to ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers.
He filed House Bill No. 4652 to legalize the app-based motorcycle-for-hire service as a second app-based motorcycle, requiring service providers to obtain insurance coverage for drivers and passengers as well as insurance to cover third-party liabilities.
“No. 1 priority in transporting people is the safety and welfare of the passengers and the drivers. In welcoming a new age of public transportation, this bill seeks to set the groundwork to make motorcycles safe and secure for the riding public and the operators,” he said.
HB No. 4652, if passed, would amend Section 3 and 7 of Republic Act No. 4136 to include motorcycle-for-hire in the definition of terms and in the classification of vehicles that would be required for registration with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
“The LTFRB may allow motorcycles-for-hire to choose and use online ride-hailing platforms or pre-arranged transportation platforms, accredited by the proper government agency under the applicable laws and rules and regulations: Provided, that such online ride-hailing platforms or pre-arranged transportation platforms shall provide a fare estimator that enables users to estimate the cost of a trip, and issue an electronic receipt afterwards,” the proposed measure read.
Last May, the Department of Transportation allowed the operation of the mobile-app Angkas as motorcycle taxi in a six-month test run starting the last of June. Rio N. Araja
Another bike-for-hire service, JoyRide based in Antipolo City, Rizal, is still waiting for the DoTr’s approval on its application to operate.