Dizon eyes rider cap review

MANILA, Philippines —Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon is eyeing a review of the cap on riders being enforced by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on motorcycle-taxi service providers, saying the current rule is no longer responsive to the needs of commuters and the industry.

“What I want to understand is what is the supply and demand situation of our public transport here in Metro Manila,” he told reporters.

“How many rides? How many riders are available? Because it is clear that there’s a scarcity,” he added.

Dizon said the current cap appears to be no longer applicable, given the surge in demand from commuters.

The development came after ride-hailing app Move It was fined P555.7 million by the LTFRB for exceeding the rider cap.

Rep. Rodge Gutierrez supports Dizon’s proposal to have the cap reviewed.

According to the LTFRB, Move It more than tripled its authorized limit of 17,746 rider-partners by 55,575 in Metro Manila, Cebu City, and Cagayan de Oro City.

Records showed that the company had 73,321 rider-partners.

The penalty for the offense is P10,000 fine per excess rider.