THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) on Thursday said it will work with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to review the existing rider cap allocation for motorcycle taxi providers.
“We will have a meeting with the LTFRB to assess the supply and demand situation for this service. We need to assess how many should really be allocated for Metro Manila and other areas,” Transportation Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon told reporters.
This came after the LTFRB imposed a P555-million fine on ride-hailing platform Move It for exceeding its rider cap allocation.
The LTFRB probed a motorcycle platform over allegations that it boarded riders in its online system more than its allowable rider cap, LTFRB said in a statement. Move It had appealed the decision of LTFRB.
Mr. Dizon said the agency will review existing regulations to ensure that the number of fleets is enough for commuters.
The DoTr also reminded transport providers to follow existing regulations and measures governing the sector.
At the same time, the Coalition of Filipino Commuters said the motorcycle taxi cap should be removed and that the allocation should be based on the actual commuter demand.
“The current limits were set before the pandemic and no longer reflect conditions on the ground, where public transport in Metro Manila remains scarce,” it said.
The coalition said setting a limit will not address the shortage of public transport.
“They shrink service availability, lengthen waiting times and leave commuters stranded at the curb. We recognize that the regulation matters but service reliability should be non-negotiable,” it said. — Ashley Erika O. Jose