The Department of Transportation’s technical working group (TWG) has reversed its decision on the early termination of the pilot run of motorcycle taxis. Operations are set to continue, according to Antonio Gardiola, chairman of the group.
“We will continue it, but then we will come up with guidelines, we will talk to the providers, with the guidance of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade,” explains Gardiola.
According to Gardiola, the early termination was decided due to legal impediments that prevented the efficient gathering of data on the operators’ safety information. After this information was made public last Jan. 20, citizens and certain lawmakers alike have loudly expressed their dislike for the initial decision, arguing that the motorcycle taxis provide the most reliable form of transportation for daily commuters.
An interagency TWG said it would continue the pilot study to determine whether motorbikes are safe for public transportation. https://t.co/PXJfjmPciY
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) January 21, 2020
When asked about the reversal, Gardiola explains that he changed his mind after taking into consideration the sentiments of the senators who were against the early termination.
With the ban lifted, Senate committee on public services chair Senator Grace Poe shares that this is a triumph for commuters, and is hoping that the concerned agencies will put in the necessary time and effort to study the safety of the operations in order to aid Congress in creating the appropriate laws.
Meanwhile, the TWG will be meeting with the three motorcycle taxi providers included in the test run, namely Angkas, JoyRide, and MoveIt to discuss guidelines and further actions. As of now, the pilot run will continue until Mar. 23, 2020.
Netizens and drivers alike continue to express their sentiments for Angkas operations to continue, as the service has prevented commuters from being late to meetings, appointments, and classes, and is a source of livelihood for drivers and their families.
Header photo courtesy of Niño Jesus Orbeta from Inquirer.net
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Writer: THEA TORRES
