CEBU CITY – The city government of Cebu has created an office regulating the operation of motorcycle taxis locally known as “habal-habal.”
CEBU City Mayor Michael Rama (right) and Vice President Sara Duterte on their way to grand launching of Pier 88 in Cebu. (FB)
Mayor Michael Rama issued Executive Order No. 8 creating the Cebu City Habal-Habal Drivers’ Coordinating Office (CCHCO).
Rama noted the prevalence of habal-habal drivers offering their services as one of the modes of public conveyance.
With this, a body that will accommodate the need and ensure the safety of the commuting public by regulating the services offered by habal-habal drivers must be created, Rama said.
The CCHCO will be tasked to conduct awareness seminars and information campaigns relating to road safety, rights, and obligations of habal-habal drivers.
The office must also create a database of all habal-habal drivers in the city.
The CCHCO must also coordinate with the Cebu City Traffic Office relating to matters involving the designation of routes and terminals for habal-habal drivers.
Facilitating and aiding barangay or grassroots habal-habal associations will also be one of the functions of the CCHCO.
The CCHCO will be headed by an executive director who will handle the daily operations of the motorcycle-for-hire regulatory board.
Habal-habal has become one of the most popular modes of transportation in the city.
While there are motorcycle taxis run by ride-hailing apps, fly-by-night habal-habal drivers abound in this city.
Identities of motorcycle taxi drivers belonging to ride-hailing apps are available and fare rate is already determined once a passenger books a trip.
With fly-by-night habal-habal drivers whose identities cannot be easily identified, rates will depend on the negotiation between the driver and the passenger.