After the heat of the issue which involved Angkas, the motorcycle ride-hailing application to have an extended pilot test until March 2020, the technical working group (TWG) scrapped surged fees which will allow people to expect lower fares for motorcycles taxis in both Cebu and Manila.
As per the TWG, they would like to see a dry run that would inhibit the fare matrix they have concocted for a total of three (3) bike firms included in the testing. They drafted up revised and modified guidelines in the pilot implementation of motorcycle taxis.
Read: Where Can Students Register For The Free Train Rides Given by the DOTr?
How much would the fares be?
Based on the revised guidelines by the TWG, lower fares for motorcycle taxis are strictly going to be implemented. Fares for bike or motorcycle ride-hailing in Metro Manila was seen to be just at P50 for the first two (2) kilometers plus P10 per kilometer for up to seven (7) kilometers; and P15 per kilometer after that.
So basically, a place that is not that far would have a charge less than P120 pesos, considering that the traffic is well and smoothly flowing. Moreover, the new matrix would cease control over the maximum charge that a company can charge its passengers, getting rid of a monopoly that might take place.
In Metro Cebu, however, passengers will be charged only P20 for the first kilometer, then P16 per kilometer for up to eight (8) kilometers, and lastly, P20 per kilometer after the eight kilometer buffer.
Read: Land Transportation Office (LTO) Fees For New License, Student Permits, Etc.
Comparing it to the current and today's matrix, it really abides by the lower fares for motorcycle taxis price matrix that is drafted by the TWG. Hopefully this can help ease the burden of high fees for Filipino commuters.
When will the matrix take effect?
As per the TWG, this is the matrix that all companies should follow; from December 23 of last year until March 23, 2020, this is what the matrix should be. This fare matrix will be used and utilized for the extended pilot implementation.
Dry runs can and may be extended for three (3) more months depending on the decision that will be made by the TWG.
Read: New and Improved PNR to Begin Operations on December 16, 2019
Move It and JoyRide, two (2) new motorcycle ride hailing companies are currently joining the pilot implementation with Angkas, the first famous motorcycle ride hailing app in the country.
A total capacity of 39,000 will be allotted to bikers both in Metro Manila and in Cebu. 9,000 of these bikers would be placed in Cebu while 30,000 would be for Metro Manila. The TWG statement says that the three (3) firms would have equal division of these drivers and they'd have to come up with a better and a more concrete study for this.
Read: 3-Hour Travel To and From Manila to Baguio, Now Possible!
Guidelines and requirements for operations
People may rejoice on receiving lower fares for motorcycle taxis in both Metro Manila and Metro Cebu but the companies are not. In fact, there are operational guidelines and requirements for them to be able to operate.
All three (3) firms were required to strictly comply with the requirements for them to proceed to operations. The conditions were:
- Must have an app platform where all bookings are made
- Only one ride hailing platform for a motorcycle ONLY
- Accident insurance policy - it should be secured or must be at par with the above Passenger Personal Accident Insurance Program or PPAIP rates
- Existing motorcycle units with OR/CR as of the 1st of December 2019 will be allowed to operate in the pilot implementation
- Comprehensive safety campaign for the public to make sure that all passengers are in the known in terms of pillion-riding
- Motorcycles that are not registered with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) are not allowed to participate in the pilot implementation
Read: Gojek, Indonesia Ride-Hailing App to Enter the Philippine Market This 2020
NOTE: The LTFRB and the TWG is strictly implementing a one motorcycle per rider ONLY.
Failure to abide by these strict rules and compliance policies will result to the termination of the rider's capability of joining and participating in the pilot implementation. What's worse is that it could be the reason why motorcycle ride hailing apps are not going to be approved.
What do you think about the lower fares for motorcycle taxis in the country? Is this a good and legitimate way to control and regulate the slowly growing motorcycle ride hailing apps and commuting experience of people?
Read: Removal of EDSA’s U-Turn Slots to Improve The Flow of Traffic in EDSA and in Major Thoroughfares?
Many people are really hoping for the complete implementation of Angkas and other ride hailing apps. Let's wait for further announcement as to what will happen.
Source/s: Manila Bulletin News
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