MMDA proposes banning motorcycle taxis on major roads in Metro Manila

MANILA: Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Arturo "Jojo" Garcia told the media that he will propose the banning of motorcycle taxis along major roads in Metro Manila.

Garcia, a member of the Motorcycle Taxi Pilot Study Technical Working Group (TWG), says that major road will include circumferential, radial, and national roads.

“Circumferential road, R1 to R10, national roads, bawal dapat ang motorcyle taxis, kasi nga may pasahero yan eh. Tricycle nga hindi natin pinapayagan, mas safe pa yan (motorcycle taxis should be banned from these because these have passengers... even tricycles are not allowed and those are safer). It should be made illegal for motorcycle taxis to use the circumferential road, R1 to R10, national roads because they have passengers),” said Garcia.

The MMDA executive also added that even if riders and passengers wear helmets, knee pads, and various other safety gear, accidents that could occur at high speed and on busy roads would result in tragedy for motorcycle taxis.

In line with this, TWG chair Antonio Gardiola Jr. said a new safety requirement being eyed by the study is the inclusion of more passenger grips on motorcycle taxis aside from “grip belts” worn by riders.

These new grips would be more stable and maybe the more preferred option for riders who are uncomfortable with holding onto riders.

Also Read: DOTr clamps down on unregistered motorcycle taxis