Joy Antonio has been riding motorbikes for more than two years now. A year ago, she joined a motorcycle delivery company so she could support her retiree parents. Now, Antonio feels her earnings are not enough, especially with the prevailing health crisis. She’s even hesitant to show us her scooter, because her monetary limitations have prevented her from pampering it the way she wants.
Antonio is a member of Habal Transport Services, an app-based delivery and commuter shuttle company.
“Gusto kong makasama sa Habal Transport Services kasi meron itong four services in one,” says Antonio, referring to Habal Send, Habal Food, Habal Car, and lately, Habal Ride. The fourth is a motorcycle taxi service which is seeking accreditation from the Department of Transportation to participate in the ongoing motorcycle-taxi pilot run.
Donning her full Habal uniform, Antonio joined other riders from Habal and Citimuber during the most recent protest ride held at UP Diliman, which was aimed at convincing the government to include the two companies in the experimental run. The 3,000-strong Habal contingent claims it has met the requirements set by DOTr’s technical working group.
When asked why she wants to join the motorcycle taxi game Antonio replied, “Mas malaki po ang kita.”
“Sana po mabigyan kami ng pagkakataon maka-participate sa pilot run dahil pinaghandaan na po namin ito. Magandang pamaskong handog ito ng gobyerno hindi lang para sa akin ngunit para sa lahat ng mga ordinaryong rider na nais kumita ng marangal,” Antonio added.
Coincidentally, Antonio’s birthday falls on December 25. Does this give her wish a better chance of coming true?
