Move it: Pass law on motorcycle taxis now

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 24) — Grab Philippines-backed Move It said the government must pass a law to stabilize the operations of motorcycle taxis so it could welcome more players servicing Filipino commuters.

"Move It is appealing to lawmakers to pass the law that will legalize the operation of motorcycle taxis around the country and open the field to more industry players in order to address the needs of commuters for affordable, safe, and reliable mode of public transportation.," Move It said a statement Thursday.

Move It issued this statement, a day after a House of Representatives committee discussed the safety and efficiency of motorcycles as a form of public transportation.

About three years into the pilot study, the call to pass a bill pushing for the legalization of motorcycle taxis has yet to gain major progress.

For the pilot run, only three companies were allowed to accommodate commuters—Move It, Angkas, and JoyRide.

The previous administration said each motorcycle taxi firm must only have 15,000 riders in Metro Manila, and 9,000 riders in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.

However, Angkas already exceeded the fleet limit with around 30,000 drivers operating under its platform.

JoyRide, which houses multiple mobility services, has over 20,000 drivers with vehicles ranging from motorcycles, cars, vans, and trucks.

Move It, meanwhile, has 1,000 riders.

But following Grab Philippines' acquisition of Move It in August, the firm hopes to onboard more partner drivers.

Move It also noted that lawmakers backed the buyout deal.

Likewise, the Philippine Competition Commission said both parties could proceed with the transaction.

"Panahon na po na isantabi natin ang iringan sa motorcycle taxi, at tutukan natin ang pagsasabatas nito para sa ating mga riders at pasahero," said Move It Chairman Francis Juan.

[Translation: It's time we put aside arguments in the motorcycle taxi, and focus on legislating it for our riders and passengers.]