DUE to the growing need for more alternative transport options and to create millions of job opportunities, Rep. Joel Chua recently filed a bill aimed at legalizing and regulating the operation of motorcycles-for-hire, which is proven to be affordable, reliable, safe and convenient for daily commuters.
“Lack of mobility and traffic congestion remain to be a significant hurdle to economic growth and individual well-being in the country.
Due to inadequate public transport options, many Filipinos turn to private vehicles, but one transport solution that has proven to be reliable, safe, convenient, and affordable is motorcycle taxis,” Chua said.
“I see how my constituents in Manila and other areas of the Metro specially the working people relying on mc taxi. Most of my staff in fact is using the same tranpo service every day.”
Chua adds.
House Bill No. 7034 or the Motorcycles-for-Hire Act, intends to allow the regulated operation of motorcycles-for-hire to provide the riding public with an alternative mode of transportation that is sufficient, safe, secure and economical, but must be standardized to ensure that the interest of the general public is protected.
Chua explained that the use of motorcycles to provide motorcycle-for-hire services will help the government fill a transportation gap, efficiently transport passengers from point to point, and create job opportunities for bikers so they can earn a living wage for their families by giving them the proper tools, like safety training, for them to become productive members of society.
Chua added that the government recognizes the importance of transportation in economic development and the recent innovations in technology has opened an opportunity for alternative modes of public conveyance, such as motorcycles-for-hire, to thrive as a reliable and accessible mode of transportation.
“However, despite its promise of convenience and fast service, it must be regulated to ensure that the interest of the general public, commuters in particular, must be protected,” Chua explained.
He said that while private vehicles dominate road share, motorcycles are, in fact, the most widely used vehicle by Filipinos, adding that according to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), there are an estimated 18 million motorcycles plying the roads in the country.
The lawmaker explained that the regulation of motorcycles-for-hire as an alternative transport option stands to benefit both the commuting public by addressing mobility issues and the Filipino families who now have an opportunity to unlock a new income stream and uplift their lives.
Motorcycles-for-hire, particularly motorcycle taxis, have the added benefit of providing meaningful livelihoods to the relatively unskilled sectors of the workforce.
As drivers only need to drive well and safely, many who would otherwise be under or unemployed elsewhere are able to earn a sufficient living wage by offering their transportation services through Motorcycle Taxi Platform Providers, Chua also said.
Chua added that the current minimum wage rate in Metro Manila is approximately P500 a day; a biker has the capacity to earn up to P1,500 per day.
“The potential impact of a motorcycle-for-hire law cannot be overstated,” Chua stressed.
