DOTr assures continued MC taxi operations

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon gave an assurance for the continued operation of motorcycle taxis, as long as they ensure safe and convenient travel for commuters.

Following Dizon’s meeting with George Royeca, founder of Angkas and a long-time advocate for transport modernization and rider welfare, the transport secretary said DOTr will soon issue a pertinent department order. Other motorcycle taxi operators are MoveIT and JoyRide.

The dialogue raised issues affecting bikers – whose livelihoods depend on MC taxi operations – and commuters who rely on this affordable mode of transport—especially navigating Metro Manila’s perennial traffic.

Sec. Dizon acknowledged the urgency of the situation, considering the pilot program for motorcycle taxis officially ended in 2024 with Congress unable to pass the requisite law to govern their operations based on the pilot study.

Dizon said they will soon issue a department order allowing MC taxi operators to legally continue while waiting for the passage of an enabling law.

“The permanent solution for the continuous operations of MC taxis would require congressional action, that’s why the DOTr is committed to working with our lawmakers to come up with viable solutions that greatly benefit both our riders and commuters,” Dizon said.

He added that the continuous operations of MC taxis is consistent with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives to ease the burden of passengers by giving them more options for transport, faster commute and more time with their families.

The transport chief, however, stressed that MC taxis must fully comply with the recently issued department order on road safety, as well as existing standards and regulations on road worthiness and driver qualifications.