Motorcycle taxi platform Angkas has announced a temporary reduction in its commission rate from 20% to 18%, effective Monday, April 20, as part of efforts to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on its rider-partners.
The announcement was made by Angkas CEO George Royeca following a congressional hearing on Wednesday, where lawmakers urged transport network companies (TNCs) to extend relief measures to drivers facing higher operational costs.
Tiered Incentive System Introduced
While the base commission will be reduced to 18%, Angkas introduced a performance-based structure that allows riders to keep a larger share of earnings depending on completed trips within a day.
- Standard rate: 18% starting April 20
- High volume riders: Commission drops to 15% on a rider’s 9th trip of the day
- Peak performance: Commission can fall to 0% by the 26th trip of the day
“This adjustment reflects our response to the fuel crisis and the need to make incentives more accessible,” Royeca said, noting that ride thresholds were lowered to benefit more drivers.
Financial Strain and Support Measures
Royeca acknowledged that the commission cuts place financial pressure on the company, which continues to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and global fuel volatility linked to geopolitical tensions.
“I will not lie to you medyo masakit po itong pagbaba ng commission across the board. Kaya tayo nagbibigay ng incentives para mabalanse natin lalong-lalo na yung dumidepende sa plataporma ng Angkas as their primary livelihood,” he said.
To further support riders, Angkas is also rolling out non-monetary assistance, including gasoline vouchers, food vouchers, and continued fuel discount partnerships with partner stations.
Industry-Wide Response Expected
The move comes as demand for motorcycle taxi services shows slight fluctuations due to hybrid work arrangements, including four-day workweeks and remote work setups in some sectors.
Competitors such as JoyRide and Move It have reportedly informed lawmakers that they are also reviewing their commission structures, with some already implementing similar tiered incentive schemes.
While the duration of the reduced commission rate remains uncertain, Angkas said the policy will depend on global fuel price movements and overall economic conditions, with hopes for eventual stabilization in the transport sector.