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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Angkas, JoyRide now allowed to resume operations

Angkas, JoyRide now allowed to resume operations

Published Nov 24, 2020 06:26 pm

Months after suspension due to quarantine lockdowns, bike-hailing firms Angkas and JoyRide are now allowed to resume their operations in Metro Manila after the technical working group (TWG) on motorcycle taxis granted them a provisional authority to operate.

(JANSEN ROMERO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

In a statement on Tuesday, the TWG said it has decided to issue a provisional authority to Angkas and JoyRide to operate under the extended motorcycle taxi pilot study until December 9, pending completion of some operational requirements.

According to the TWG, the two players still need to comply with the mandatory use of thermal scanners, while Angkas should also complete the provision of insurance for both rider and passenger in case of accidents.

"Once Angkas and JoyRide are able to fully comply with the requirements, a certificate of compliance shall be issued to them by the motorcycle taxi TWG," it added.

Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddess Libiran said the certificate of compliance will give motorcycle taxi companies the authority to operate during the continuation of the pilot study which was cut short this year due to the health crisis.

While the provisional authority is only valid for at least two weeks, from November 24 to December 9, Libiran said the motorcycle ride-hailing operator should immediately comply with the pending concerns before it ends.

Angkas Chief Transport Advocate George Royeca earlier mentioned that over 6,500 of its riders are expected to return on the roads after they tested negative for COVID-19 and passed guidelines set by the government.

Royeca assured that more Angkas bikers will be available as soon as it continuously conducts more RT-PCR swab tests to ensure the health and safety of both riders and passengers.

The provisional authority was granted to JoyRide on Tuesday after the National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19 approved its barrier design which was included in the guidelines before motorcycle taxis will be allowed to operate.

Other guidelines include mandatory swab testing for all bikers, as well as wearing of face masks for both bikers and passengers to further curb the spread of the virus.

Passengers will be required to bring their own helmet with a visor which will act as a face shield, while motorcycle taxi operators were also mandated to transition to cashless payments as part of the government effort's to prevent COVID-19 transmission through limited physical contact.

Meanwhile, the TWG is yet to inspect the facility of MoveIt, the third participant of the pilot study, as they are still waiting for them to submit a letter signifying that they are ready to operate.

The government allowed motorcycle taxis to operate on a pilot study basis but was cut short this year as all modes of public transport including motorcycles-for-hire were suspended in March due to the health crisis.

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