The Department of Transportation (DoTr) yesterday welcomed a proposed amendment to the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136) to legalize the operation of motorcycles for hire.

In a statement, the DoTr said a bill pending before the House of Representatives is the “right step in order for motorcycles to function as public transport service.”

RA 4136 prohibits the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes which renders illegal the operation of ride-hailing service Angkas.

But in recognition of a clamor for motorcycles to be allowed to serve as public transport, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has ordered the creation last December of a technical working group (TWG) to look into the matter.

In a statement, DoTr said it “respects the legislative process this bill will undergo, as government policies are anchored on the power of the law.”

“Despite the proposed measure in Congress, some say that motorcycles should immediately be considered as a mode of public transport, even if the amendments to the Land Transportation and Traffic Code have not yet been passed,” the department said.

“The DoTr stresses that converting motorcycles to a public transport service requires thorough study, deliberation and assessment.”

The TWG’s report may be submitted to Congress to serve as a resource for lawmakers in deciding on the proposed amendments, the DoTr said. TWG discussions will begin tomorrow.

Discussions will center on the capacities required of a motorcycle and its driver for public transport service.

These include determining the types of motorcycle that can be awarded a franchise, the minimum cubic centimeter capacity, travel speed, franchise routes, seat and helmet requirements and training requirements for motorcycle bikers looking to register as a PUV driver.