The National Confederation of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (NACTODAP) expressed concern over the proliferation of motorcycle taxis, particularly in Metro Manila.
NACTODAP national president Ariel Lim said during a press conference in Quezon City that tricycle drivers’ daily earnings have plummeted from P700 to around P300 due to the rise of motorcycle taxis.
Lim said many of their members are against the undeterred growing number of motorcycle taxis, especially with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)’s recent approval of more motorcycle taxi companies in Regions 3 and 4-A.
Lim appealed to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to halt the approval of more motorcycle taxi companies and to consult with stakeholders like NACTODAP before expanding MC taxi operations.
Lawyer Jopet Sison, founding chairman of the Quezon City Tricycle Franchising Board, urged the government to develop a National Transport Plan to systematically manage MC taxi operations. While acknowledging the faster transport services offered by motorcycle taxis, Sison emphasized the need for proper regulation.
He said, however, that the LTFRB should first regulate these MC taxis. He said that if motorcycle taxi operations are properly regulated and monitored nationwide, other passenger transport options, such as tricycles, would not suffer.
NACTODAP clarified that they have no plans to request for fare increase from local government units (LGUs) to avoid burdening ordinary workers whose income could also hardly cope up with their respective families daily needs.
Lim said that if the LTFRB ignore their appeal and would continue to allow more motorcycle taxis, small tricycle drivers and operators may be forced to bring their grievances to Malacañang for immediate action.
