Angkas says UP study confirms moto taxis are safe even amid pandemic

MANILA: A report from the University of the Philippines-College of Public Health (UP-CPH) on the safety of motorcycle taxi use for public transport supports the resumption of operations, said Angkas, the leading app-based moto taxi service in the country.

As part of its ongoing partnership with the UP-CPH in the formulation of recommendations and approaches to make motorcycle taxi trips safe during this time, Angkas will soon be deploying its 30,000-strong biker pool in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The UP-CPH comprehensive study discussed the feasibility of the motorcycle as a vehicle for continuous mobility amid the COVID-19 pandemic, while providing in-depth measures to protect the rider, biker-partner, and the people nearby.

The UP-CPH also pointed out that moto taxis aid in minimizing the risk of both passengers and biker partners contracting the virus since these vehicles do not feature an enclosed cabin.

With proper compliance with stringent safety and health measures such as the wearing of helmets like the biker’s visor helmet (which acts as face shield for those riding motorbikes) and face masks, proper cleansing and washing of protective gear, sanitation of commonly touched surfaces, and frequent hand washing, non-transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is virtually guaranteed.

Based on the study, it is also essential for the confidence of the public to be restored, along with the prevention of viral transmission, since people are gradually going back to their routines in the markets, banks, groceries, and offices.

Angkas Chief Transport Advocate George Royeca said, “We worked with the UP-CPH team to conduct a science-backed study on how to make the motorcycle taxi safe in the time of COVID-19. While we are all looking forward to the day when we’re allowed to operate once more, we wanted to make sure that we are compliant with all safety regulations for the safety of our riders and our passengers.”

UP-CPH Dean Dr. Vicente Belizario Jr. announced the institution's partnership with Angkas and said that alliances like theirs are necessary to motivate people in going back to their normal lives amid the pandemic.

Belizario also confirmed that Angkas requested for UP-CPH to give recommendations and measures for the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) and the transport sector.

He also said, “Angkas has taken the lead in ensuring that motorcycle taxis are properly equipped and safe for public use, which makes them more than prepared to perform public transport once that door opens. Motorcycle taxis can be allowed to operate if health and safety guidelines we have recommended are strictly implemented.”

In a research done at the Southern University in Guangzhou, China, it was found that high wind speeds are beneficial to the elimination and dilution of droplets, which in turn, reduce the suspension time of microorganisms in the air.

Royeca explained, “A moving motorcycle naturally creates sufficient ventilation which is crucial in preventing COVID-19 transmission. We have followed the safety protocols mentioned in the study. When the local government units (LGUs) partnered with us to help bring their health workers to and from their destinations, there has not been one incident of virus transmission.”

Although the study emphasizes that plastic shields still have to meet the standards of peer-reviewed studies, these non-permeable barriers are permitted to reduce possible person-to-person viral transmission.

According to the UP-CPH study, other protective layers are also suggested to promote safe motorcycle taxi operations such as immediate reporting to the platform provider in cases wherein viral symptoms have been observed, stringent adherence to medical advice from healthcare providers, contract tracing capability, and checking of identity via facial recognition.

Royeca explained that contactless transactions have been included in their app as this is seen to decrease the need for  money to be exchanged between the driver and passenger.

A contact tracing tool, which will help determine the location of the infected individuals whenever necessary, has also been added in the Angkas software.

Angkas released constant reminders that aim to notify riders and biker partners to provide relevant information to the platform provider in case they test positive for COVID-19.

The Angkas app also encourages them to obtain medical advice and follow contract tracing measures.

Another collaboration that Angkas has recently participated in to boost the opening of public transport while maintaining safe travel is the Ingat Angat Tayong Lahat campaign, which was launched online last October 2.

Royeca led this joint initiative of conglomerates and brands towards the restoration of consumer confidence through empowering the public to observe proper safety guidelines.

He also reiterated that the avoidance of infection and the constant updates of control regulations remain as the main priorities of Angkas.

Photos from Angkas Facebook page

Also read: IATF approves resumption of moto taxi operations