Motorcycle Taxis Can Now Operate in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu

Ruben Manahan IV • May 10, 2019 • 0 • 231

Motorcycle taxis can start operating legally in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu after getting a ‘thumbs up’ from the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

In a post on its Facebook page, the government agency released the general guidelines for the pilot implementation of the motorcycle taxis on the two regions.

The approval was the result of the discussion among all members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) created by the deparment under Secretary Arthur Tugade back in December 2018.

The guidelines for the operation of motorcycle taxis as set by the TWG are as follows: the wearing of safety gear comprised of a helmet, reflectorized vest, and vest-based strap o belt; observation of the 60 kph speed limit; the proper maintenance and condition of the motorcycle; and wearing the required uniform for the rider.

In addition, a rider is limited to only 10 hours on duty.

Lastly, a motorcycle taxi should have an accident insurance with a value that is equivalent or exceeds that of the fee for the Passenger Personal Accident Insurance Program (PPAIP).

The key performance indicators for the pilot implementation will be the accident threshold, volume of traffic violations as reported by the Land Transportation Office, Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and other traffic enforcement agencies, and customer feedback.

Motorcycles that can be used in the said business are underbones, scooters, and business motorcycle models only.

The pillion seats of the motorcycle taxis must be cushioned, foot pegs must be in good condition and the exhaust pipe insulated with no modifications in the engine, intake, exhaust, or wiring.

The initial fare matrix for Metro Manila starts at PHP50 for first two kilometers with additional PHP10 per kilometer for the first seven kilometers and PHP15 for succeeding kilometers above seven kilometers.

In Metro Cebu, the first kilometer is PHP20 with additional PHP16 per kilometer for the first eight kilometers and PHP20 after eight kilometers.

The proposed surge cap is 1.5x.

The pilot implementation of motorcycle taxi operations is expected to start in June or one month after Secretary Tugade signed the General Guidelines of the pilot implementation and the start of the public awareness campaign.