An Angkas rider with a passenger traverses an intersection in Quezon City. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA - Health authorities are studying a proposal for the resumption of motorcycle taxi operations, Malacañang said Thursday, as the easing of lockdowns increased the demand for public transport.
The Department of Health is studying a proposal on a "special suit" for motorcycle taxi drivers that would help to provide distancing with the passenger, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said.
"Pinag-aaralan po talaga nila if that suit will be sufficient to more or less provide distancing of sort," Roque said in a Palace press briefing.
(They are studying if a suit will be sufficient to more or less provide distancing of sort.)
The study comes even as the government remained firm on its policy against back-riding even for couples.
"Nagkakaroon po talaga ng pormal na pag-aaral ang DOH pagdating po sa Angkas (motorcycle taxi) kasi may recommendation o may vinolunteer na mayroong special suit na isusuot ang mga driver," Roque said.
(There is a formal study being done by the DOH on motorcycle taxis because there is a recommended special suit for drivers)
Just like jeepneys, motorcycle taxis are prohibited for public transport use due to difficulties in implementing minimum health standards such as physical distancing.
Motorcycle taxi firms have instead shifted their businesses to delivery apps to cope with the loss of income due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
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