Expansion of motorcycle taxi operations backed

PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

A MEMBER of the House of Representatives expressed support for calls to expand the operation of motorcycle ride taxi services to the provinces to ease the country’s transport woes.

Quezon 3rd District Rep. Reynante Arrogancia said that he supported the stand of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, and House Transport panel chairman and Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop to expand the scheme outside of Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao.”Public utility jeepney routes are not as expansive and are also limited. The only affordable ways to get from point A to point B are by tricycle and motorcycle. These are the readily available vehicles of the people in the provinces,” Arrogancia said in a statement.He made the comment after the House Transport panel approved a measure that would make motorcycle taxis common carriers, a step toward making them legitimate public transport.He added that special rules should be made for provincial motorcycle ride taxi services.”Specific reflectorized markings and stickers are needed so motorcycles can more safely travel at night and early morning. Motorcycle curfews are also needed, especially on some highways and in residential areas,” Arrogancia said.”The [Land Transportation Office] and Tesda (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) must train motorcycle riders and tricycle drivers to respect all traffic rules and road safety laws,” he added.