MANILA - Motor taxi-hailing app JoyRide said Thursday it transitioned into a multi-service delivery app during the coronavirus pandemic to keep its 20,000 drivers employed.

JoyRide, which is part of the Transport department's motorcycle taxi pilot study, offers point-to-point delivery and "pabili (errand)" services, its vice president for corporate Affairs Noli Eala told ANC.

"Because of the pandemic we have to make adjustments on the fly. We have another brand that has been on the delivery service business so we have changed the platform to an on-demand multi-service mobile delivery app," Eala said.

"The delivery service has come to the rescue for all of them and we have been able to provide them with a decent ways of earning a living now," he added.

During the 11-week lockdown of Metro Manila and other urban centers, businesses and public transport were suspended, including motorcycle taxis. Motorbikes were allowed to operate logistics and food delivery services.

The lockdown or enhanced community quarantine was eased from June 1 to a general community quarantine, one step above the "new normal" or the lifting of quarantines and imposition of minimum health standards.

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Eala said JoyRide also pioneered another feature and partnered with local government units to help tricycle drivers operate as delivery services.

"They give consumers a wider range of options in terms of what they order and how it is delivered to them," he said.

Motorcycle taxis, however, remain a "viable" transportation option and should be back on the streets once the situation improves, Eala said.