Motorcycle taxi riders' group warns allocation cap threatens livelihoods

An advocacy group of motorcycle taxi riders is calling on the government to reconsider the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) rider allocation limit or capping system, claiming the policy could threaten the livelihood of thousands of riders. In a statement, the Nexus Riders Alliance voiced its appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “to ensure that thousands of motorcycle taxi riders do not lose their livelihoods due to the rider allocation or capping system.” “PBBM, please help motorcycle taxi riders. Protect our livelihood. The riders affected by the cap are not just numbers. They are fathers, mothers, and breadwinners who rely on riding to support their families,” said Renato Embiado, chairman of the Nexus Riders Alliance. The group said it remains unclear what will happen to riders who exceed a platform's allocation and how they will be able to make a living under new provisional authorities (PAOs). “Our question is simple: if the number of riders a platform can accept is limited, where will those not included in the allocation go? If the LTFRB approves more PAOs, how can riders earn a living if there are no platforms available for them to join? This is the riders' biggest fear right now,” Embiado said. “It's not numbers being lost here. The livelihoods of families are at stake. We are not asking for special favors. All we are asking for is the opportunity to earn a living,” he added. Nexus Riders is also requesting a review of the ban on "multi-apping," which allows riders to accept bookings from another platform when demand is low on one app. “Multi-apping is not the problem. It helps riders secure a more consistent income. A rider doesn't travel on two platforms simultaneously anyway. In a system where they are free to choose, platforms will compete to provide better bookings, incentives, and protection for their riders,” Embiado said. He said that banning multi-apping could weaken riders' ability to adapt to changing demand and road conditions, which could also affect the reliability of motorcycle taxi services. The Nexus Riders Alliance further clarified that it supports regulation, safety, and accountability in the motorcycle taxi industry. However, the group maintained that policy implementation must be clear, practical, humane, and responsive to the actual needs of riders and commuters—especially since the current cap is no longer sufficient to meet growing demand. “We are not against regulation. What we are asking for is a policy crafted together with the riders, not one where we are only heard after the rules have already been released and implemented,” Embiado said. The group called for a dialogue involving President Marcos, Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez, the LTFRB, motorcycle taxi platforms, and representatives from rider communities. “Our fight is not against the government. Our fight is for the livelihood of thousands of riders and the families who depend on them. Please do not let us lose our jobs over a policy that, instead of providing protection, limits our opportunity to earn,” Embiado said. —Ted Cordero/RF, GMA News