7 colorum motorcycle taxi riders nabbed

MANILA, Philippines — At least seven illegal motorcycle taxi riders were arrested during anti-colorum operations in Metro Manila this week, authorities said yesteday.

Two were identified as riders of unregistered motorcycle taxi company Sampa while the other five were registered with Angkas but not included in a master list submitted to the government inter-agency technical working group (TWG).

The riders were arrested after “mystery passengers” were dispatched by the TWG to check on the riders’ safety gear and documents. 

The TWG called on Sampa and i-Sabay to stop operations as they are not accredited as participants for the pilot testing of motorcycle taxis as public transport.

Only three transport network companies are permitted to operate: Angkas, Move It and JoyRide.

“Those who will insist to operate in the guise of a participant of the study and is not registered in the master list will be apprehended as colorum. We will not have second thoughts to penalize those who defy the authority,” TWG chairman Antonio Gardiola said in a statement. 

The Department of Transportation warned the three TNCs to strictly comply with safety protocols during the pilot run, which was extended until March.