A study conducted by the University of the Philippines-College of Public Health (UP-CPH) approved the return of motorcycle taxis of operators that strictly observe safety protocols like Angkas.
According to the study, motorcycle taxis are a viable public transport means amid the pandemic, so long as health and safety guidelines are followed thoroughly by the driver and the passenger. These include the wearing of protective equipment such as masks and helmet, regular hand hygiene, disinfection of commonly-touched areas, and the washing of protective equipment.
The study also recommends other layers of protection for motorcycle taxi use, such as the verification of identity through facial recognition, contact tracing capability; and immediate reporting to the platform provider in the event that virus symptoms break out and persist; and strict compliance with medical advice from a health-care provider.
“Angkas has taken the lead in ensuring that motorcycle taxis are properly equipped and safe for public use, which makes them more than prepared to perform public transport once that door opens. Motorcycle taxis can be allowed to operate if health and safety guidelines we have recommended are strictly implemented,” Dr. Vicente Belizario Jr., UP-CPH Dean, said.
Angkas and other motorcycle taxi operators may be allowed to return on the road, as the executive government actively supported the resumption of their operation to provide more transport options to commuters.
This, however, will entail the approval of Congress, as motorcycle taxis are still prohibited to legally operate in the Philippines due to existing antiquated laws. They were, however, allowed to provisionally operate in the past under a pilot study that will aid lawmakers to potentially update the Traffic Code.
With this, 5,000 bikers of Angkas took to the streets Sunday to show their thanks to the government for its support.
“This is a big thing for us Angkas drivers, as this shows that the government trusts us. I have been doing this for three years now, and I never felt that I was taken for granted by Angkas,” said Ryan Rillera, president of motorcycle rider organization Taguig Spartans.
Angkas Chief Transport Advocate George Royeca said his group is ready to accommodate the demand for public transport during the pandemic.
“Now that the economy is slowly and safely reopening, 60 percent of workers are mandated to physically go back to work. However, there are only 40 percent public transportation that is available to them. Angkas would be happy to bridge that gap,” he said.