CNN Philippines (Metro Manila, December 18) –The transport regulator has warned ride-hailing firms found guilty of overcharging this Christmas season that they may lose their permit to operate.
“To the TNCs (transport network companies), do not abuse the clamor for TNVS (transport network vehicle service) this holiday season, hindi kami magdadalawang isip na tanggalan kayo ng permit kung kayo ay lalabag sa mga mandato na nakasaad sa inyong kontrata.” Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra said in a statement Wednesday.
The warning stemmed from what LTFRB described as “mounting” complaints against fare hikes and supposed lack of TNVS units since the onset of the Christmas season. The LTFRB added that commuters noted the increase this month.
On Tuesday, the regulator said it has called for a meeting with app-based companies to seek clarification on the matter.
Senator Imee Marcos, meanwhile, assailed the alleged raise in Grab’s fees, citing a screenshot of one of its quoted fares that shows a one-kilometer ride that used to cost less than ₱100 can now cost ₱245 via GrabCar or from ₱231 to ₱346 via GrabTaxi.
Marcos also sought clarification from Grab on the matter, as she called on government agencies to exercise caution when dealing with private sectors which provide services rendered in the public interest.
“How will Grab explain that? Monopolies tend to push limits and cross the line of abuse, so we in the government must remain vigilant of sectors imbued with public interest like water and transport,” Marcos said in a statement Wednesday.
Legalization of motorcycles-for-hire pushed anew
Marcos also called on the LTFRB to allow motorcycle-for-hire service firms such as Angkas to address the lack of public transport.
The lawmaker has filed Senate Bill 409 which aims to “fill the gap in public mobility” by classifying motorcycles-for-hire or two-wheeled vehicles as legitimate means of public transportation, amending the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
Senator Sonny Angara also filed a similar measure in October due to transport woes caused by train service provider LRT-2’s power supply problem.
Currently, Angkas can operate as it is part of the transportation department’s motorcycle taxi service pilot run in Metro Manila and Cebu City. The test run is originally set to end on December 26 this year, but the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) technical working group expressed its willingness to extend the study by six months to provide the commuting public more options. The DOTr wants to include new players to rival Angkas.
Lawmaker tells Grab: Moderate your greed
PBA Rep. Jericho Nograles appealed to Grab to reduce by five percent the commission it imposes on its drivers, even just for the holidays, as he criticized the ride hailing firm for its “greed.”
Grab deducts a 20-percent commission from the total fare of each operator’s completed trip, and Nograles said this is “too much especially now that they can hardly get enough trips because of the Holiday rush traffic.”
The legislator also called on Grab to provide discounts to its loyal customers, who go through heavy traffic and the daily ordeal of using mass transportation.
“The price surge that Grab has been imposing is just too much, and the traffic is just unbearable,” Nograles said.
“Even just until the end of December, please moderate your greed. Magtira naman kayo ng kita para sa mga driver. Maawa naman po kayo sa mananakay na wala namang choice kung hindi sumakay sa inyo,” he added.
[Translation: Leave some for your drivers. Have some pity on your customers who are left with no other choice but to book you.]
[Translation: We will not think twice about revoking your permit if you violate the conditions of your contract.]
“The agency is at the forefront of ensuring public transportation remains safe, convenient, and also affordable. We will look into this,” Delgra said.
TNCs could charge a P40-standard rate of base fare, P10 to P15 per kilometer, P2 per minute. They are also allowed to multiply their fare prices by as much as two times, depending on traffic. These fare guidelines should be strictly enforced, LTFRB said.
Accredited TNVS are Grab, Hype, Hirna, Owto, MiCab, Go Lag, ePickMeUp, SnappyCab, and Ryd.
