The Coalition of Filipino Commuters (CFC) has expressed support for Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon’s call to review government restrictions on the number of motorcycle taxi riders allowed to operate, saying limits established before the pandemic no longer reflect current commuter demand.
The group warned that maintaining these restrictions could worsen transportation shortages in Metro Manila, where millions of passengers already struggle with congestion and limited public transport options.
Dizon questioned whether the rider limits enforced by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board – LTFRB (LTFRB) remain appropriate, citing the shortage of available transportation and the need to assess actual passenger demand.
“It is very clear that there is a scarcity. So this regulation on the… maximum number of riders, I think should be reviewed as I believe that this maximum number is no longer applicable,” he said.
His remarks came amid the LTFRB’s investigation into motorcycle taxi operator Move It, which received a ₱555.75-million fine for allegedly exceeding its authorized allocation of 17,746 riders. Dizon said the existing limits would be discussed with the regulatory agency.
The CFC argued that motorcycle taxis have become essential for workers and students who depend on faster transportation to reach workplaces, schools, and destinations poorly served by conventional public transport.
Citing studies, the coalition noted that Metro Manila generates approximately 16 million trips daily and warned that restricting motorcycle taxi operations could reduce service availability, increase waiting times, and leave commuters with fewer transportation alternatives.
The group also raised concerns about the livelihoods of thousands of riders and their families who depend on motorcycle taxi services for income.
While supporting a review of existing restrictions, the coalition emphasized that passenger safety, insurance coverage, rider accountability, and service reliability must remain central to government regulation.
