MANILA: Recently, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) reminded the riders of the pilot participants of the Motorcycle (MC) Taxi Pilot Study Program to refrain from "overcharging," or asking for fares that go beyond the restrictions of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on MC taxis and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The three major participants in the MC Taxi Pilot Study Program —Angkas, Move It, and JoyRide — were reminded by LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Jose Arturo Tugade, who also serves as the chairman of the TWG.

The three MC taxi pilot participants pledged that they would prevent their drivers from overcharging customers.

A pilot study for the use of MC taxis in the nation is being carried out by the TWG on MC taxis right now. In order to assess whether the MC taxi pilot participants' operations complied with TWG directives, the group also performed an assessment of their operations.

After receiving complaints from commuters about motorcycle riders who provide public transportation services and then charge exorbitant charges even for short trips, the LTO issued a reminder about overcharging.

LTO Chief Tugade likewise warned unauthorized riders who offer “habal-habal” rides to refrain from offering public transportation services. He said those who will be caught will be charged with “colorum” violation pursuant to Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2014-01 or the “Revised Schedule of Fines and Penalties for Violations of Laws, Rules and Regulations Governing Land Transportation.”

“There is no law that authorizes, recognizes and regulates ‘habal-habal’ to be a mode of public transportation so what they are doing is illegal," the LTO Chief warned.

Additionally, LTO Chief Tugade urged commuters to avoid "habal-habal" riders and to report them right away to the LTO if they encounter such illegal services.

Image and photo from Land Transportation Office and Angkas

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