The Coalition of Transport Sectors (CATS) consisting of various transport sector heads gathered as a show of unity, urging President Bongbong Marcos (PBBM) to terminate the expansion of motorcycle (MC) taxis in Metro Manila. In a press conference, the coalition appealed to PBBM to shift focus for any proposed expansions to areas outside of Metro Manila, where the adverse effects on congestion might be less severe. “We urgently appeal to the President to listen to the voices of other transport stakeholders and direct any expansion efforts to areas outside the congested urban environment of Metro Manila,” the coalition said.
The coalition comprises of various organizations from different transport sectors including Laban TNVS, Defend Jobs Philippines, Coalition of Union Courier Shippers and Services Philippines, Manibela, MANTRA, NACTODAP, HATAW, PASANG MASDA, LTOP, LCSP, NPTC, INHTA, ATOMN, and the Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO).
It can be recalled that the House Committee on Metro Manila Development (CMMD) proposed for a moratorium on additional players in the MC Taxi pilot study in Metro Manila during a recent hearing. Manila 3rd District Representative and CMMD Vice Chair Atty. Joel Chua highlighted the urgent need for a pause in expansion, citing the worsening traffic congestion in the capital, the alarming rise in motorcycle accidents, and the adverse effects on the livelihoods of other transportation sectors.
This, in response to reports that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will be authorizing several companies as players in the MC Taxi pilot study led by the Department of Transportation’s Technical Working Group (DOTr-TWG). Expressing their intent to join the pilot study are Cloud Panda Philippines Inc., Taxi Philippines Inc., E Pick Me Up Inc., Easy Way Transport Service and Multipurpose Cooperative, Para Express Technology Services Inc., Grab Philippines, and Market Innovators Inc., potentially joining original players Angkas, Joy Ride, and Move It.
Laban TNVS Chair Leonardo “Jun” De Leon, the coalition’s spokesperson, supported the CMMD’s proposal and strongly criticized the LTFRB’s move. “We are unequivocally against the LTFRB’s recent move to flood our Metro Manila streets with more motorcycle taxis. This decision, rushed and lacking in thorough impact assessment, threatens to diminish the income of existing transport workers and degrade the quality of our city’s transport ecosystem. Introducing more vehicles in an already saturated environment is a recipe for heightened congestion and decreased public safety,” De Leon stated.
As of now, the pilot study is confined to Metro Manila, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro. Of the total allocation of 63,000 motorcycle taxis nationwide, 54,000 are enrolled in the program. Moreover, records show that the MC Taxi allotment in Metro Manila has reached its 45,000 cap. The LTFRB is expected to issue a decision on the CMMD’s proposed moratorium within seven days.
The united front of transport organizations concluded the press conference by calling for a meaningful dialogue and collaboration with President Marcos, the DOTr, the LTFRB, the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the MC Taxi TWG, to work towards a transportation system that considers the best interests of all stakeholders, including the sectors they represent.
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