LTFRB rejects accreditation bids from two motorcycle taxi operators

MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has rejected accreditation applications submitted by two motorcycle taxi platform providers, determining that both GrabBike and Dingdong RiderKo failed to satisfy the agency's operational and compliance requirements.

Lawyer Greg Pua, interim chair of the LTFRB, said a comprehensive review of the companies' operations identified significant gaps in their adherence to board standards. The specific areas of non-compliance were not detailed in the initial announcement, though both firms had sought approval to expand motorcycle taxi services in the Philippine market.

The decision underscores the LTFRB's increasingly stringent approach to regulating motorcycle taxi platforms, which have proliferated across major Philippine cities in recent years. The board has emphasized the importance of strict compliance with safety, insurance, and operational guidelines before granting formal accreditation.

Both companies may appeal the LTFRB's decision or resubmit applications after addressing the identified deficiencies. The rejections come as the motorcycle taxi sector continues to attract new operators seeking to capitalize on growing demand for affordable point-to-point transportation services.