Manila, Philippines – An inter-agency technical working group is now considering the extension of a six-month pilot implementation of motorcycles-for-hire which are now seeking to enter into the motorcycle ride hailing market monopolized by Angkas.

In a statement released Tuesday, the Department of Transportation said the new six-month dry run would allow the entry of other motorcycle taxi providers “in the interest of giving the public more choices that would drive better service.”

The government got proposals from Citimuber, JoyRide, Movelt, EsetGo, Rider, and VroomGo.

According to the DOTr, the extension aims to extend the scope of their study to the proper standards and capacity of motorcycles to ensure safe and worthy of providing a franchise.

“Gusto naming malaman ang kanilang ‘operational readiness’ at pagsunod,”said Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory member Antonio Gardiola, who heads TWG.

He added: “Gusto naming malaman kung ligtas at viable bang pampublikong transportasyon ang motorsiklo. ‘Yun talaga ang prayoridad namin — ang kaligtasan, seguridad at pagkakomportable ng mga mananakay.”

DOTr is set to release a decision on the extension plan in the coming days. (Marian Sinamban/IAMIGO/CNS)