Local motorcycle-hailing app Angkas has been approved by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to resume operations for the next six months as a test run of draft regulations for safety and economic viability of motorcycles and taxis in both Cebu and Metro Manila.
Angkas Regulatory and Public Affairs Head George Royeca announced the news to the public last Friday, May 10, saying, “We are very happy that (Transportation) Secretary Tugade is looking into this. We will definitely provide all the necessary updates on the application and also on the information campaign to the public,” adding to ANC Market Edge, “We have a very, very unique opportunity here because we have have something that’s already running. Before we do national policy or permanent law, we’re able to fine-tune what is the best way best practices bet regulations.”
When talking about the decision, Transportation Secretary Art Tugado told the media in Filipino, “We are giving ride-hailing services a warning to follow the safety requirements when they operate. Do not waste the trust that we have given you.” He added that the DOTr has created a guideline on the implementation, commenting, “This is proof that the government listens to the public. This shows that we are open-minded. In December, we created this TWG (technical working group) and these general guidelines are what we came up with now.”
According to the TWG, the Angkas trial period will be on June 8. The memorandum of the DOTr explained, “After the expiration of the six-month pilot implementation period, all the results and data collected should then be the subject of a study in order to determine whether or not motorcycle taxis could be considered as an alternative mode of transportation.” Angkas Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Angeline Tham is excited about the development, telling Angkas members, “We hope that the Angkas pilot will serve to show legislators and regulators the viability of this mode of transport so we can fully pass it into a law. We are set to launch in June once all operating procedures are finalized, so sit tight.”
As the only motorcycle ride-hailing company in the Philippines, Angkas has been given a fare matrix for both Manila and Cebu, a 10-hour limit for daily operations, and a 60-kilometer per hour speed limit.