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Senator Grace Poe Pushes For Regulation Of Motorycle Taxis
Sen. Grace Poe. Senate PH File
In response to the overwhelming demand for motorcycles as an alternative mode of public transport, the Committee on Public Services, led by chairperson Sen. Grace Poe, commenced deliberations on Tuesday to consider the regulation of motorcycles-for-hire.
Sen. Poe highlighted the results of a study conducted by the executive department, which included pilot testing of motorcycle taxis, revealing a majority preference for these two-wheeled vehicles due to their affordability and mobility.
While acknowledging the need for motorcycle taxis, Sen. Poe emphasized that commuter safety remains the primary concern. With the objective of establishing a regulatory and safety framework for the transport network vehicle service (TNVS) industry, including motorcycle taxis, the Public Services Committee aims to strike a balance between legalizing this mode of transport and ensuring the highest safety standards are met.
"We need to legalize to reflect the reality on the ground, but we also need the highest safety standard to make this a true mobility alternative," Senator Poe stated during the deliberations.
However, the coverage of the legislation legalizing the use of motorcycles as public utility vehicles was brought into question by Sen. Nancy Binay. During the public hearing, Sen. Binay expressed concerns about the emergence of new three-wheeled vehicles operating as passenger transport on major roads. She raised apprehensions regarding the training and qualifications of the drivers operating these vehicles.
"My fear is that drivers of these vehicles are not trained," Sen. Binay voiced in Filipino. As the discussion on the bills progressed, the Public Services Committee, chaired by Sen. Grace Poe, placed significant emphasis on addressing the safety aspects of motorcycle taxis as a viable mode of public transportation. The committee intends to craft regulations that not only legalize motorcycle taxis but also ensure the safety and security of passengers.
With the burgeoning popularity of motorcycle taxis as an efficient and economical means of commuting, the Committee on Public Services seeks to strike a balance between meeting the demands of the public and establishing comprehensive safety measures for this emerging industry.
Sen. Poe highlighted the results of a study conducted by the executive department, which included pilot testing of motorcycle taxis, revealing a majority preference for these two-wheeled vehicles due to their affordability and mobility.
While acknowledging the need for motorcycle taxis, Sen. Poe emphasized that commuter safety remains the primary concern. With the objective of establishing a regulatory and safety framework for the transport network vehicle service (TNVS) industry, including motorcycle taxis, the Public Services Committee aims to strike a balance between legalizing this mode of transport and ensuring the highest safety standards are met.
"We need to legalize to reflect the reality on the ground, but we also need the highest safety standard to make this a true mobility alternative," Senator Poe stated during the deliberations.
However, the coverage of the legislation legalizing the use of motorcycles as public utility vehicles was brought into question by Sen. Nancy Binay. During the public hearing, Sen. Binay expressed concerns about the emergence of new three-wheeled vehicles operating as passenger transport on major roads. She raised apprehensions regarding the training and qualifications of the drivers operating these vehicles.
"My fear is that drivers of these vehicles are not trained," Sen. Binay voiced in Filipino. As the discussion on the bills progressed, the Public Services Committee, chaired by Sen. Grace Poe, placed significant emphasis on addressing the safety aspects of motorcycle taxis as a viable mode of public transportation. The committee intends to craft regulations that not only legalize motorcycle taxis but also ensure the safety and security of passengers.
With the burgeoning popularity of motorcycle taxis as an efficient and economical means of commuting, the Committee on Public Services seeks to strike a balance between meeting the demands of the public and establishing comprehensive safety measures for this emerging industry.
May 23, 2023
