What is wrong with providing commuters more options?
October 14, 2022CitizenWatch Philippines is heartened by the recent statement of the Department of Transportation that it does not see any issue with the partnership between Grab and motorcycle taxi company Move It.
We completely support the government’s efforts to gather information to help Congress enact a law legalizing the operation of motorcycle taxis, which would allow them to focus on safety issues.
In August, when Grab Philippines acquired Move It under a private transaction, it was evident that public good was a primary consideration.
Public transportation options in the country are limited and of poor quality. Hapless workers and students, who now have to report face to face to their workplaces and schools, have to allot precious hours in a day for their exhausting commute. If they want just a bit of comfort, they must be prepared to shell out more money – something that is unthinkable during these difficult times.
The partnership between Grab and Move It – where the latter retained its name and corporate leadership – was intended to provide commuters with more options to get from one place to another. Objections and criticism to the partnership, which in fact has passed muster with the Transportation Department, only threaten to divert attention away from the bigger, more fundamental problem that must be solved.
We look forward to the day when motorcycle taxi companies and government will bring their heads together to ensure that they abide by the strictest safety measures for the benefit of their riders.