Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
MOVE IT is revolutionizing the motorcycle taxi industry by implementing a comprehensive safety program grounded in driver leadership and cutting-edge technology. This initiative combines professionalized rider training with real-time safety technologies at scale, setting a new benchmark for passenger protection and operational excellence.
The company proudly reports an almost impeccable incident-free completion rate of 99.999% across thousands of daily rides. While celebrating this achievement, MOVE IT remains committed to addressing the remaining ~0.001% of trips to ensure the highest safety standards are maintained universally.
“Near-perfect isn’t the finish line,” said MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto. “Leadership in safety means raising the bar every day — professional riders, real-time protection, and transparent accountability on every single trip.” At the recent MOVE IT Moto-Taxi Road Safety Dialogue, 31 rider-partner communities signed the Katuwang sa Kaligtasan sa Kalsada pledge, fostering a community-led safety culture across the motorcycle taxi sector.
Rigorous Rider Verification and Training
- Full Government Clearance: Every rider undergoes thorough verification, with MOVE IT reporting 100% compliance with all required documentation.
- Stringent Motorcycle Inspection: Nearly 60% of motorcycles pass inspection on the first attempt, underscoring the platform’s commitment to roadworthiness before deployment.
- Comprehensive Skills Assessment: Over 80% of applicants pass the initial skills test; those who do not are retrained until they meet rigorous safety benchmarks.
- Continuous Improvement: All riders are mandated to undergo retraining every six months, fostering a culture of ongoing professional development.
Innovative Behavioral Assessment
In collaboration with Ateneo’s Bulatao Center for Psychological Services, MOVE IT is pioneering a first-of-its-kind Behavioral Assessment Tool tailored for motorcycle taxi riders. Unlike traditional assessments focusing solely on technical skills, this tool evaluates decision-making, stress management, and response strategies in high-pressure scenarios—essential skills for ensuring safety in unpredictable road conditions.
Grounded in behavioral science, this initiative elevates rider professionalism by emphasizing sound judgment and conduct, not just technical ability. The tool is set for rollout this quarter, marking a significant step toward holistic rider evaluation.
Tech-Driven Safety Innovations
Technology plays a pivotal role in MOVE IT’s safety framework. Through a strategic partnership with Grab, the platform has enhanced its safety infrastructure to support thousands of rides in real time.
Key safety features introduced in 2023 include:
- Live Location Sharing & In-App SOS: Immediate assistance and transparency during trips.
- Passenger & Driver Verification Selfies: Ensuring genuine identities to prevent impersonation.
- AI-Driven Trip Monitoring: Continuous oversight to detect and address risky behaviors promptly.
Building on these, MOVE IT plans to introduce additional tools aimed at mitigating common road risks:
- Overspeeding Alerts: Real-time notifications when riders exceed safe speeds, promoting responsible driving.
- Fatigue Nudges: Monitoring trip duration patterns to detect signs of rider fatigue, encouraging breaks to maintain alertness.
- AudioProtect (Launching Q4 2025): Background audio recording during trips to provide context for investigations and dispute resolution, enhancing security and fairness.
Together, these technological advancements aim to prevent accidents proactively, safeguard all participants during trips, and ensure transparency when incidents occur.
Fair Accountability and Rapid Response
MOVE IT emphasizes that safety is a shared responsibility, supported by transparent accountability measures:
- Swift Reporting & Investigation: Incidents reported through the app trigger immediate inquiries. High-risk cases may lead to preventive suspension pending due process.
- Volunteer Emergency Response: An Emergency Response Unit composed of trained riders responds within 30 minutes to incidents, coordinating with hospitals and authorities.
- Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: All trips are insured through partnerships with providers like AIG and Cocolife, protecting both passengers and riders.
The Coalition for Filipino Commuters has lauded MOVE IT’s advancements, noting, “It’s inspiring to see how MOVE IT and other platforms are proactively transforming our transportation industry for the better.” However, they emphasize the need for official regulation to standardize these safety measures industry-wide.
A Collective Call for Safer Roads
Jacinto underscores that “safety is not a milestone but a daily mission.” He advocates for continuous improvement through professional riders, innovative technology, and transparent accountability, aiming to make motorcycle taxis a truly reliable and accessible mode of transportation for all Filipinos.
At the recent MOVE IT Moto-Taxi Road Safety Dialogue, 31 rider communities signed the Katuwang sa Kaligtasan sa Kalsada pledge, fostering a community-led safety culture across the sector.
Driver-Led Safety: The Pasado Bago Pasada Framework
MOVE IT’s Pasado Bago Pasada (translated as “Safe Before the Ride”) framework ensures every rider undergoes rigorous onboarding, ongoing training, and bi-annual skill refreshers. This driver-led approach emphasizes safety as a core value, driven by professional standards and continuous development.
Highlights of the Pasado Bago Pasada Framework include:
- Comprehensive onboarding process covering technical skills and safety protocols.
- Regular retraining sessions to reinforce best practices.
- Behavioral assessments to evaluate decision-making and stress management.
- Community engagement initiatives to promote a safety-first mindset.
In summary, MOVE IT’s integrated approach—combining professional rider standards, innovative technology, and shared accountability—sets a new industry benchmark for safety and reliability. As leadership in safety evolves daily, MOVE IT remains committed to raising the bar, ensuring every trip is as secure as it is efficient.