Riders appeal MOVE IT ban amid growing concerns over road congestion

The Motorcycle Taxi Community Alliance of the Philippines has appealed a government order threatening to shut down MOVE IT operations in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro, warning of far-reaching consequences for the motorcycle taxi industry and thousands of riders.

The government order could affect the livelihoods of around 14,000 rider-partners who depend on the platform for their income. At a time when ongoing road repairs and large-scale infrastructure projects are set to worsen traffic congestion in urban areas, the need for alternative transport like motorcycle taxis has never been more critical. With roadworks expected to make commuting even more challenging, it is essential to ensure that these transport options remain available to keep city mobility flowing smoothly.

“We respectfully request a reconsideration of the said order, which would result in the loss of livelihood for approximately 14,000 riders across the country,” said Alliance Chairperson Romeo Maglunsod, who personally filed the appeal at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) headquarters.

The LTFRB order cuts MOVE IT’s rider cap in Metro Manila from over 14,000 to just 6,836, and directs the company to cease operations in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro — affecting another 6,000 riders.

The directive is expected to displace 14,000 riders and impact around 50,000 people, based on an average household size of four. These job losses would come at a time when the country is already grappling with significant challenges in its road infrastructure, with ongoing and upcoming repairs set to worsen traffic conditions and strain existing transport options even further.

As the government prepares for large-scale road repairs and infrastructure projects aimed at modernizing the country’s transportation networks, cities are bracing for worsening traffic gridlock. With roads already congested, the need for alternative transport options like motorcycle taxis becomes even more urgent. Motorcycle taxis like MOVE IT offer a crucial solution, providing fast, flexible, and affordable transportation that helps alleviate some of the pressure on overburdened public transit systems.

The alliance also criticized the TWG’s decision-making process, arguing that the lack of consultation with key stakeholders, including riders and commuters, undermines the goal of improving urban transport and increasing mobility for all.

The group warned that unless the TWG reconsiders its position, the order could displace thousands of professional riders and significantly disrupt urban transport in key metropolitan areas. With major roadworks looming, the need for more flexible and efficient transport options becomes even more pressing. It urged the TWG to realign its policies to prioritize the welfare of both riders and commuters.

The message is clear: the government must prioritize policies that support both riders and commuters, ensuring that alternative transport solutions like motorcycle taxis are part of the broader strategy to ease mobility in these urban centers.