LTO tells MC taxi riders: no ‘overcharging’

The leadership of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) reminded the riders under the Motorcycle (MC) Taxi Pilot Study Program to avoid asking for fares that are beyond the guidelines set by the Technical Working Group (TWG) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

In a statement, the agency said that the reminder was issued following the complaints received from commuters against motorcycle riders that are overcharging — even on short distances.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Jose Arturo Tugade — who also heads the TWG — issued the reminder to Angkas, Move It, and JoyRide, which are identified as the three key players in the pilot study.

For their part, the LTO said that the brands gave assurance that they will not allow their riders to impose excessive rates to passengers.

Further, the LTO chief warned riders who offer unauthorized transport service (commonly known as “habal-habal”) to stop from offering their mode of transportation to the public. Those who will be caught, Tugade said, will be charged with “colorum” violation pursuant to Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01, which is also known as the “Revised Schedule of Fines and Penalties for Violations of Laws, Rules and Regulations Governing Land Transportation.”

“There is no law that authorizes, recognizes, and regulates ‘habal-habal’ to be a mode of public transportation so what they are doing is illegal," Tugade explained.

Moreover, the LTO chief also asked commuters not to patronize “habal-habal” riders and to report them immediately to the LTO in case they encounter any of them.

Photos from Ruben D. Manahan IV, Land Transportation Office

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