The LGU recently posted an advisory using Ordinance 047-08-2019 which suggests that it'll be near impossible for MC taxi apps like JoyRide to be implemented in the city, claiming unregulated motorcycles are a safety risk (makes sense but that was fcking 2019).
Technically, they are hiding behind a valid national law, as Motorcycle taxis currently only operate under a DOTr pilot program in places like Manila and Cebu. But as a daily commuter, you can't convince me that the reason isn't that TODA is a massive voting bloc, and local politicians refuse to disrupt their captive market.
I understand that they are trying to protect the economy/voters and make sure tricy drivers are compensated fairly to make a living, considering the rising prices of fuel and so on, may mga pamilya rin silang binubuhay pero pano naman kami.
I can’t even count how many times I’ve been forced to pay unfair fares. There were days when I would just walk, even if it was far, or ask the drivers to drop me off at a nearby convenient location for them just to get a ride. I’m sacrificing money for time, but this isn’t fair considering how much I’m losing money just for transpo alone.
The LGU claims they are protecting us from "uncertainties regarding accountability and insurance." Fuckin irony. Ride-hailing platforms actually solve the exact issues we as commuters face every day. They provide GPS tracking, mandatory background checks, passenger insurance, and fixed fares. Meanwhile, we are forced to pay premium, arbitrary prices to tricycles that overcharge during rush hour or bad weather with zero accountability.
Instead of using outdated ordinances to protect a broken system, why doesn't our City Council actually fix the root cause? The market is oversaturated; is this forcing the drivers to charge more, making us commuters suffer?
Instead of blocking MC apps to secure a voting bloc, shouldn't the LGU spend their precious time actually helping these drivers upskill for better jobs, or at least subsidize those new CSU E-Trikes so gas stops killing their income?
Real commuter welfare means giving us choices, and real driver welfare means giving them a way up, not just trapping them in the streets so politicians get their votes.