What is the reason behind the proscription against the kabit system?

The thrust of the law in enjoining the kabit system is not so much as to penalize the parties but to identify the person upon whom responsibility may be fixed in case of an accident with the end view of protecting the riding public. The policy therefore loses its force if the public at large is not deceived, much less involved. (Lim v. CA, G.R. No. 125817, Jan. 16, 2002)