[UPDATED] The Department of Transportation's (DOTr) seemingly abrupt decision to halt operations of motorcycle taxis became almost as big a news as Taal's imminent eruption. According to the technical working group (TWG) tasked to gather data determining the viability and to recommend legislation ensuring everyone's safety in these motorcycle taxis, Angkas allegedly violated certain agreements with DOTr.
The data-gathering would have ended on March, but DOTr-TWG suddenly announced yesterday that this would stop immediately and would effectively make those operating as motorcycle taxis 'illegal'. DOTr-TWG official Antonio Gardola, Jr. said that those still operating could be apprehended by next week.
Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code does not allow motorcycles to be PUVs, citing the high risk of injury and death they pose to riders and passengers as such.
Senator Bong Go said that tuloy pa rin ang pag-operate ng motorcycle taxis, which include Angkas, Joyride and Move It. The DOTr has yet to make an official statement regarding the matter. For now, it seems both sides are still negotiating, and several lawmaker are urging DOTr to let the studies continue as laws cannot be crafted without proper data.
This is still an ongoing drama, so expect a statement from DOTr on their ultimate decision on the matter. So far, we've only heard from officials. We have yet to hear DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade's official statement on this issue.
UPDATE: The DOTr-TWG said that the pilot study will continue until March 2020, overturning the decision for it to stop Monday.
What are your thoughts on this? Are you for the extension of operations of motorcycle taxis or no?
