Move It asked Senator Robin Padilla to champion a measure legalizing the motorcycle taxi business to give jobs to thousands of motorcycle owners and provide more versatile public transport, especially during heavy traffic.
Move It chairman Francis Juan said motorcycle taxis – which are illegal under existing laws but operating temporarily for data gathering to guide Congress on the bill’s details – could have saved the day for thousands of commuters stranded by typhoon Paeng a few days ago.
“The gridlock caused by Paeng immobilized jeepneys and buses. Commuters were helpless in the rain for hours without a ride. If the motorcycle taxis have been fully mobilized and legalized, there would have been more of them to serve the commuters,” he said.
Juan said motorcycle taxis could transport passengers through traffic and, in normal situations, to destinations not served sufficiently by public transport such as Bonifacio Global City from EDSA and inner roads.
There should be a mix of modes of transport to give commuters a choice, he said.