THE PROLIFERATION of un-franchised or colorum motorcycle taxis in Iloilo City has drawn the attention of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), with urgent calls for regulation to protect public safety. But the matter runs deeper than mere compliance. The rise of illegal motorcycle taxis indicates gaps in the city’s formal transportation system — especially during night shifts — where convenience and safety are paramount.
Motorcycle taxis, often operating under the radar, have become an essential lifeline for sectors like call center agents who work graveyard hours. Public utility vehicles, such as jeepneys and taxis, are often scarce or absent during these hours, leaving commuters with few viable options. For many, a quick motorcycle ride, though unregulated, fills this void. These services have stepped into a role the formal transport system has failed to adequately address, albeit at the expense of legality and safety.
The problem did not emerge in isolation. It traces back to a transportation system that has struggled to keep pace with Iloilo City’s evolving needs. Rapid urbanization, coupled with the demands of a 24-hour economy, has exposed inadequacies in the city’s public transport infrastructure. The absence of night-specific transportation services or dependable and affordable alternatives has created a vacuum that unregulated motorcycle taxis have been quick to exploit.
While LTO’s focus on public safety is good, addressing the root causes of this phenomenon is equally important. There must be a rethinking of the city’s approach to public transportation. Could Iloilo City introduce night-focused public utility services or incentivize private operators to extend their hours? Could ride-hailing apps be encouraged to expand operations in the city under stricter regulations?
Motorcycle taxi drivers themselves must not be viewed solely as offenders but as stakeholders in a flawed system. Many entered this trade out of necessity during the pandemic, transitioning from delivery services to passenger transport to survive. Regulation, therefore, should not only enforce compliance but also empower these drivers with legal avenues to sustain their livelihood. Initiatives like simplified franchise applications and clear guidelines from the LTO and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board are steps in the right direction.
Illegal motorcycle taxis are a symptom. By addressing the underlying causes, Iloilo City can turn this concern into an opportunity for progress. A safer, more reliable transportation network is a necessity for a city aspiring to grow responsibly and sustainably.
