DOTr says law should first be amended to allow motorcycle transport service
By AJ Siytangco
Published Jan 16, 2019 12:28 pm
By Alexandria Dennise San Juan
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has maintained that the law should be amended before motorcycle-taxis could be allowed to operate as a transport service.
"Converting motorcycles to a public transport service requires thorough study, deliberation, and assessment," the Department said.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
The DOTr issued a statement on Wednesday, following some recommendations that motorcycles should immediately be considered as a mode of public transport.
According to the DOTr, the suggestions were made even if the proposed measure in Congress to amend certain provisions of Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, to legally allow motorcycles for hire, have yet to be passed.
Earlier, the Department said it welcomed the bill filed before the House of Representatives to amend certain provisions of the law.
"We believe this is the right step in order for motorcycles to function as a public transport service. The DOTr respects the legislative process this bill will undergo, as government policies are anchored on the power of the law," the statement read.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade had ordered the creation of a technical working group (TWG) last December which would submit to its recommendations to Congress which could serve as guide for lawmakers in deciding on the proposed amendments.
Tugade said the TWG, composed of representatives from the DOTr, Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, PNP-Highway Patrol Group, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Senate, Congress, commuter welfare groups, road safety advocates, motorcycle manufacturers, motorcycle organizations, and law schools, will be discussing the capacities required of a motorcycle and its driver for public transport service as the meeting begins on Friday.
The TWG meeting will also include determining the types of motorcycle that may be awarded a franchise, the minimum Cubic Centimeter (CC) capacity, travel speed, franchise routes, seat and helmet requirements, and training requirements for motorcycle bikers looking to register as a PUV driver.
Safety issues will also be included in the discussions such as setting responsibilities and accountability in the unfortunate case of an accident.
"We will listen to all parties, and determine if legalizing motorcycle taxis is what’s best for the riding public. For the DOTr, passenger safety and security are paramount," Tugade added.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
The DOTr issued a statement on Wednesday, following some recommendations that motorcycles should immediately be considered as a mode of public transport.
According to the DOTr, the suggestions were made even if the proposed measure in Congress to amend certain provisions of Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, to legally allow motorcycles for hire, have yet to be passed.
Earlier, the Department said it welcomed the bill filed before the House of Representatives to amend certain provisions of the law.
"We believe this is the right step in order for motorcycles to function as a public transport service. The DOTr respects the legislative process this bill will undergo, as government policies are anchored on the power of the law," the statement read.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade had ordered the creation of a technical working group (TWG) last December which would submit to its recommendations to Congress which could serve as guide for lawmakers in deciding on the proposed amendments.
Tugade said the TWG, composed of representatives from the DOTr, Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, PNP-Highway Patrol Group, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Senate, Congress, commuter welfare groups, road safety advocates, motorcycle manufacturers, motorcycle organizations, and law schools, will be discussing the capacities required of a motorcycle and its driver for public transport service as the meeting begins on Friday.
The TWG meeting will also include determining the types of motorcycle that may be awarded a franchise, the minimum Cubic Centimeter (CC) capacity, travel speed, franchise routes, seat and helmet requirements, and training requirements for motorcycle bikers looking to register as a PUV driver.
Safety issues will also be included in the discussions such as setting responsibilities and accountability in the unfortunate case of an accident.
"We will listen to all parties, and determine if legalizing motorcycle taxis is what’s best for the riding public. For the DOTr, passenger safety and security are paramount," Tugade added.