In an interview granted during the weekend, Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTR) Secretary Jimmy Bautista clarified the future of motorcycle taxis (MC taxis) in Metro Manila.
Secretary Bautista firmly stated that there would be no additional MC taxis allocated within Metro Manila, contrary to recent speculations and announcements.
The clarification comes amidst recent debates and calls for a moratorium on MC taxi expansion within the metropolitan area. Notably, the House Committee on Metro Manila Development, in conjunction with various transport groups, advocated for a temporary halt on MC taxi expansion, citing multiple concerns.
“Tigil na ang pagdaragdag ng LTFRB ng MC taxi service slots at yung nadagdag na 8k slots for new players ay para lamang sa labas ng Metro Manila (The LTFRB will already stop adding the MC taxi units in Metro Manila. The eight thousand slots for new players recently announced were intended only for the provinces),” Bautista said.
Secretary Bautista disclosed that the slots for MC units earlier announced by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) were intended outside of Metro Manila.
The announcement follows recent developments where LTFRB Chair Teofilo E. Guadiz III initially announced a moratorium on MC taxi expansion but not after inclusion of four new players into the pilot study, with 2000 units allocated to each. Notably, Chair Guadiz stated that these new players would have until April 15 to complete their allocation.
This decision aligns with the department’s vision to balance transportation services across different regions while addressing the specific needs and challenges of each area.
Secretary Bautista’s interview underscores the department’s commitment to strategic transportation planning and equitable distribution of services. By redirecting additional MC taxi units outside of Metro Manila, the DOTR aims to alleviate congestion and enhance mobility in the capital region.
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