Angkas motorcycle. | Inquirer file photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines–The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has allowed the motorcycle taxi-hailing mobile application Angkas to operate for a pilot period of six months in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu.
Secretary Arthur Tugade signed the General Guidelines for the Pilot Implementation of Motorcycle Taxis on Friday, May 10, 2019.
This approval means that Angkas drivers can now operate within Metro Cebu, regulated by the Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTFRB-7) and Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO-7).
According to the DOTr guidelines, the Angkas drivers may run within 10 hours a days provided they comply with the requirements of proper helmets and gears including a vest-based strap to secure the passenger in place.
Angkas motorcycles may only run up to 60 kilometers and must follow the speed limits along school, church, and hospital vicinities.
The guidelines also stipulates a minimum of P20 for one kilometer. Surge caps will be adjusted by the LTFRB.
LTFRB-7 Regional Director Eduardo Montealto Jr. said the test run for the next six months will allow further adjustments and feasibility giving primary focus to the safety of the public.
Montealto said that this will allow the DOTr to properly study the operation of motorcycle taxis in Metro Cebu, including the mountain barangays which will be closely monitored so they can create a more specific guidelines.
He also said that LTFRB-7 will be providing a report to DOTr in the next six months to assess the operations on a monthly basis.
Montealto said in order to operate, Angkas drivers must follow the guidelines set by the DOTr in general and the LTFRB-7 specific for Metro Cebu.
“They have to comply with the pre-requisites before operating. One is to secure an accident & passenger insurance which is similar or even higher premium than the regular PUVs (public utility vehicles),” said Montealto.
One of the striking guidelines for the Angkas to operate is that they should be able to provide insurance for the driver and the passenger in the case of an accident.
Montealto urged the drivers to always put the safety of their passengers as a top priority in their service by maintaining their motorcycles and submitting their vehicles to regular mechanical check ups.
The regional director expects that six months will be enough to identify what needs to be improved for the operating guidelines of motorcycle-taxis in general. /bmjo