LETTERS: Given the worsening traffic conditions, we should consider introducing motorcycle e-hailing services.
Motorcyclists carrying pillion riders tend to be more careful than those riding solo, whether they are transporting a family member, relative or friend. They will be at their best behaviour as they do not wish to get any complaint.
To ensure the highest standards are set for motorcycle e-hailing service, the government could adopt the best practices of Thailand and Indonesia.
MOTORCYCLES for e-hailing service must be inspected annually by e-hailing operators managing the apps to ensure the machines are safe for pillion riders, seat is comfortable, number plates comply with regulations, and horn and lamps are in working order along with factory-fitted exhaust pipe with silencer, etc;
E-HAILING operators must keep records of inspections and photos of all inspected motorcycles;
OPERATORS must keep records of face-to-face interviews and onboarding. And demonstrate how helmets used by pillion riders can be kept clean;
THE minimum age for e-hailing motorcyclists must be 21, with at least a B2 licence (up to 250cc);
ENSURE e-hailing motorcyclists have no criminal records or unpaid summonses, including notifications of traffic offence;
A SPECIAL category of public service vehicle (PSV) licence can be introduced for motorcycle e-hailing service to be renewed annually after passing a medical test, including for drugs;
PERSONAL accident insurance (PAI) cover for one unnamed passenger to insure a pillion rider for RM100,000 for death or permanent total disablement, and up to RM10,000 for medical expenses.
This PAI cover is superior to "Legal Liability to Passengers" for taxis and buses that require injured passengers to sue the driver at fault and usually takes many years for compensation to be awarded by a court. PAI pays out speedily without having to establish who is at fault;
MOTORCYCLIST'S helmet must be fitted with a weatherproof dashboard video camera (dashcam) to indicate whether the motorcycle has been ridden carefully; and,
E-HAILING motorcyclists must not be allowed to accept new bookings until they have dropped off pillion riders.
In all, allowing motorcycle e-hailing services with safety measures in place will greatly improve road safety, and video cameras of e-hailing motorcyclists could also deter snatch thefts, making our streets safer.
Y.S. CHAN
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times