MOVE IT seeks fleet cut reversal

Motorcycle taxi service provider MOVE IT has urged industry regulators to reconsider what it claims is an order from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to reduce its operational fleet — a move that could leave nearly 14,000 of its riders at risk of losing their jobs.

“We will submit a Motion for Reconsideration. We hope for fairness to ensure that no rider will lose their job,” said MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto in a press conference on Wednesday.

The said LTFRB directive slashes the company’s rider cap in the National Capital Region from over 14,000 to just 6,836. It also orders MOVE IT to cease operations in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro, affecting another 6,000 riders.

Jacinto noted that displacing 14,000 riders would affect 14,000 families — or around 50,000 individuals — assuming an average household size of four.

“We want to give fair and honest service to our customers. Given how hard it is to access public transport, why reduce riders fleet now?”

The company and its rider leaders warned that the layoffs would affect thousands of drivers who had already undergone safety training and were actively serving commuters.

Meanwhile, MOVE IT rider-leader Jerry Cruz questioned the timing of the order, which comes just days before Labor Day and amid persistent public transport issues in Metro Manila.

“Just when Labor Day is approaching, you will cut the livelihood of thousands of riders?” he noted.

United Motorcycle Taxi Community representative Andy Delos Santos echoed these concerns, describing the growing anxiety among riders.

“Many riders messaged me... they’re worried they might lose their jobs,” said Delos Santos.

“We were quietly just doing our jobs... then suddenly we’re going to be let go... we’re talking about 14,000 riders, 14,000 families here.”