THE Transportation department announced Tuesday that the technical working group overseeing the operations of motorcycle taxis has granted Angkas (DBDOYC, Inc.) a provisional authority to operate until Dec. 9.
The provisional authority is ahead of the ride-hailing company’s completion of operational requirements, such as the provision of accident insurance for riders and passengers and the use of thermal scanners.
It is valid from Nov. 24 to Dec. 9 this year, the department said in a statement.
“Once Angkas is able to fully comply with the requirements, a certificate of compliance will be issued to them” by the technical working group, it added.
As for JoyRide (We Move Things Philippines, Inc.), Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope O. Libiran said, “We’re waiting for the national task force’s written approval on their barrier design.”
“As soon as we receive it, we will issue a provisional authority,” she added.
Ms. Libiran said Move It (We-Load Transcargo Corp.) has yet to submit a letter signifying its compliance with the requirements.
“We’re hoping they can submit it as soon as possible,” she also said.
Mass transportation currently operates on a limited capacity due to physical distancing protocols aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Ride-hailing company Grab Philippines said in October that it was also “seriously considering” to get into the motorcycle taxi business again.
It said it would be talking again to the Transportation department and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for the possible return of its motorcycle service. — Arjay L. Balinbin
