The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) sought the support of motorcycle ride-hailing firms and gasoline station operators to support projects and measures for motorcycle riders during heavy downpours to promote road safety.
In a meeting, MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes, MMDA General Manager Undersecretary Procopio Lipana, and Victor Nuñez, Traffic Discipline Office Director for Enforcement, asked representatives of motorcycle ride-hailing services to discipline partner riders who violate traffic rules and regulations on the road, particularly those blocking traffic during heavy rains.
“We urge motorcycle ride hailing firms to impose administrative sanctions on their partner motorcycle riders who violate traffic rules.”
“We urge motorcycle ride hailing firms to impose administrative sanctions on their partner motorcycle riders who violate traffic rules,” said Artes during a press briefing in the MMDA Head Office in Pasig City.
Representatives of Grab, Angkas, Joyride, Toktok, Transportify, Maxim Riders Food Delivery, and Move It attended the meeting.
According to the traffic chief, motorcycle riders seeking shelter under flyovers are dangerous not only to themselves but to other motorists as well.
“Seeking cover from the rain may endanger the riders from being hit by other vehicles and also cause traffic congestion.”
“Seeking cover from the rain may endanger the riders from being hit by other vehicles and also cause traffic congestion,” he explained.
In response, representatives from Grab and Joyride said they will remind their drivers to strictly follow rules and regulations.
Artes announced that the MMDA will start issuing traffic violation tickets to riders taking shelter under underpasses and flyovers. Violators will be fined P500 for obstruction starting August 1.
Moreover, he asked the motorcycle ride-hailing services to support the establishment of the Motorcycle Riding Academy by providing priority employment to participants who will finish the course.
The Motorcycle Riding Academy, set to open within the third quarter of this year, will provide riders with formal training on both theoretical and practical aspects of motorcycle riding, as well as basic emergency response training. The Academy aims to provide riders with basic training on handling motorcycles and following road and traffic rules.
Meanwhile, Artes said gasoline station operators have supported the initiative of the MMDA to put up tents on their premises to provide temporary shelters for riders when it is raining.
However, the agency has to address the considerations and restrictions raised during their meeting.
“Gasoline station operators have asked us to submit our proposal and guidelines on the use of the tents to address safety and operational concerns,” he said.
