MANILA -- Motorcycle taxi platforms Angkas and JoyRide on Friday proposed installing plastic shields between drivers and passengers, seeking to be allowed to resume operations.
Angkas proposed a set of health protocols to the country's interagency task force to help make motorcycle taxis safer, Angkas chief transport advocate George Royeca said in a briefing.
“We hope to work with the IATF and the DOH to monitor the results and eventually recommend guidelines that can be adopted by both private motorcycles and motorcycle taxis alike," Royeca said.
Angkas proposes to the IATF the use of a plastic shield contraption to protect drivers and passengers from COVID-19. Handout
If the shield's design is approved, the mold will be made available to the public for free, Royeca said.
Aside from the plastic barrier, Angkas also proposed that passengers use their own helmets and face masks to lessen the risk of virus transmission and the use of their fleet as a shuttle service for companies.
Rival JoyRide also introduced its own version of the plastic divider, with full body personal protective equipment for drivers.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Thursday health authorities were studying the resumption of motorcycle taxi operations.
Motorcycle taxi operations have been suspended since late March when Metro Manila and other urban areas were locked down. The first easing in 11 weeks last June 1 allowed limited train, bus, taxi and ride-share car operations.
-- with a report from Jessica Fenol, Arianne Merez, Katrina Domingo and Jacque Manabat
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