Move It urges government to reconsider fleet cut

MANILA, Philippines —  Motorcycle taxi service provider Move It has urged government to reconsider its decision to reduce the company’s driver fleet by more than half, warning that this move would lead to job losses.

In a statement, Move It said it is opposing the order of the government’s technical working group (TWG) to trim its motorcycle taxi fleet to 6,836 within 30 days.

Move It said its fleet is currently made up of 14,662 riders, which means the order to decrease its manpower would result in job losses for 7,826 Filipinos.

Based on the TWG order, Move It is being asked to cut its fleet in compliance with a consensus, issued in 2020, capping its riders at 6,836. Under that, industry leader Angkas gets 23,164, while JoyRide PH is given 15,000.

Further, the TWG instructed Move It to halt the onboarding of new riders for one year. Move It was also told to stop operating in Cebu City and Cagayan de Oro City, as the TWG found out the company has no authority to deploy riders in these areas.

In directing Move It to bring down its fleet by half, the TWG is observing the rider cap of 45,000 for Metro Manila imposed in 2020.

Move It general manager Wayne Jacinto said the company is filing a motion for reconsideration at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to contest the order.

Move It also wants the TWG to consider the difference in the periods from the time that the rider cap was created in 2020 to the transport landscape right now. It said motorcycle taxis have since become one of the most preferred modes of transport in the metro.

“The rider cap being enforced is based on pandemic-era guidelines from November 2020, when the transportation landscape and economic conditions were very different. Today, the demand for safe, affordable motorcycle taxis has surged, connecting Filipinos to work, school and their other essential needs,” Move It said.

Move It has managed to acquire more riders and expand its nationwide fleet following its merger with ride-hailing giant Grab Philippines in 2022.