LTFRB urged: Reconsider moto taxi fleet cut

A lawmaker is urging the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to reverse its decision to impose a one-year moratorium on onboarding new riders for motorcycle taxi service Move It and reduce its existing rider fleet.

1-Rider Partylist Representative Rodge Gutierrez said that the LTFRB order -- issued through the Motorcycle Taxi Technical Working Group (MCT-TWG) -- jeopardizes the livelihoods of approximately 14,000 Filipino motorcycle taxi riders, particularly as the nation approaches Labor Day.

"We are deeply concerned about the impact of this decision on the 14,000 riders who depend on Move It for their daily income," Gutierrez said. "These hardworking Filipinos provide essential transportation services to our communities, and we urge the LTFRB to reconsider this move, especially given its timing and the significant socioeconomic consequences."

The LTFRB order mandates Move It reduce its rider fleet to 6,836.

Gutierrez's partylist has been advocating for the Motorcycle Taxi Bill, which has passed the House of Representatives, to create a clear regulatory framework for the industry.

"The approval of the Motorcycle Taxi Bill in the House of Representatives is a significant step toward protecting riders, but this LTFRB order shows why we need the law fully enacted," Gutierrez said. "Without it, riders remain vulnerable to abrupt regulatory changes that threaten their livelihoods."

He appealed to Department of Transportation (DoTr) Secretary Vince Dizon to intervene.

"Secretary Dizon has shown dynamic leadership and a commitment to advancing transportation solutions for Filipinos. We are hopeful that his proactive approach will lead to a fair resolution that safeguards the livelihoods of our riders," Gutierrez said.