Angkas seeks clarification on alleged rider cap violation

This story has been updated to incorporate Angkas' statement.

Angkas, the bike taxi service provider, is seeking clarification over the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board’s ( LTFRB) recent issuance of a show cause order for an alleged breach of the rider cap.

“We acknowledge receipt of the show cause notice and are seeking clarification on the basis for its issuance and will address this matter in the appropriate forum,” said Angkas CEO George Royeca on Monday.

“Rest assured, we take the time to train our divers and implore the industry to keep to the same standards for the safety of the riding public,” he added.

The LTFRB had issued a show cause order to Angkas to explain its alleged violation of the rider cap of 45,000 motorcycle taxis set under the government's pilot program.  

The order, signed by LTFRB Chair and Motorcycle Taxi Technical Working Group (MC Taxi TWG) head Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III requires Angkas to justify "why it should not be suspended or removed from the motorcycle taxi pilot study/program for allegedly exceeding [their] allocated rider cap."

Angkas has been given five days from receipt of the order to respond and is also required to attend a hearing scheduled on 1 December at LTFRB headquarters in Quezon City.  

Guadiz emphasized that the LTFRB has maintained a cap of 45,000 motorcycle taxis in Metro Manila since 2020, with no changes implemented for the National Capital Region.

Calls to retain the existing motorcycle taxi cap have come from both lawmakers and transport groups. The House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and various organizations have urged the government to avoid adding to Metro Manila's traffic congestion by upping the number of vehicles on the road.  

Angkas has publicly stated that it currently has 30,000 partner-bikers, but in August, the company signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Social Security System to extend coverage to approximately 50,000 partner-bikers.