A PROPOSED measure on regulating the operations of “motorcycles for hire” passes second reading at the House of Representatives.
In a viva voce voting at the plenary, House Bill 10571 was approved to provide a safe, sufficient and affordable alternative “mode of transportation” for the public by allowing and regulating the use of motorcycles-for-hire.
It is said that motorcycles for hire are appropriate in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic where the “demand” for this service will be high.
Once enacted into law, mechanisms and guidelines regarding the operation of motorcycles-for-hire will be drafted, while their operations will be allowed as “common carriers” for transportation of passengers and “goods” such as parcels and mail.
Motorcycles need to be registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to ensure their “roadworthiness and safety,” and the agency is the one to issue licenses and the conduct of trainings for riders.
The Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board, on the other hand, will designate “fares, surcharges, and transportation fees” that can be charged by the operator, online e-commerce platform providers and transport network companies.