Lawmaker supports plan to lift motorcycle taxi driver caps

MANILA — Rep. Rodrigo Gutierrez voiced support Wednesday for Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon's initiative to eliminate caps on motorcycle taxi drivers, characterizing existing limits as misaligned with present-day transport demand across urban areas.

The one-Rider representative echoed Dizon's earlier statements that expanding the motorcycle taxi driver pool is necessary to address connectivity gaps in metropolitan regions. The two-wheeled transport service has emerged as a critical component of the country's informal public transportation ecosystem.

Gutierrez indicated that current regulations constraining the number of motorcycle taxi operators have become disconnected from real-world transit requirements, particularly in congested urban centers where demand for flexible, affordable mobility options continues to rise.

The push to remove driver caps reflects broader discussions on modernizing the Philippines' transportation framework to accommodate growing urbanization and shifting commuter preferences. Motorcycle taxis have expanded significantly in recent years as an alternative to traditional cab services, offering cost-effective point-to-point travel in congested traffic conditions.

The proposal now awaits further legislative action and coordination between transportation authorities and policymakers regarding implementation frameworks and safety standards.