Coming soon: Hailing of Taxi Cabs via “My Cab” App
Over the past couple of days, Filipino commuters took to social media to express their anger and frustration over reports that the operations of Grab and Uber may be adversely affected following a government regulatory body’s crackdown on unregistered drivers using the ride-hailing platforms.
Last July 21, 2016, the LTFRB released a Memorandum, which suspended the acceptance and processing of applications for Uber, Grab, and other ride-sharing services. This order essentially stopped the release of temporary permits to Grab and Uber vehicles while the LTFRB further studied how to regulate the growing industry. In addition, last July 11, 2017 the LTFRB also ordered Grab and Uber to pay a fine of Php 5 million each for letting drivers with no permits or expired permits to still operate on their platforms.
In a recent interview with LTFRB Spokesperson Aileen Lizada, it was seen that UBER clearly violated its order to Transport Network Companies to stop accepting applications for accreditation of transport network vehicle services and their eventual approval or activation dated last July 26, 2017, after activating three additional new vehicles the next day. UBER is then ordered to cease and desist its operations regarding their own online booking application during the duration period of the said suspension, even those with certificates of public convenience or provisional authority. Grab on the other hand is forced to implement a higher fare surcharge especially because the demand is high and there are insufficient cars in specific areas.
Also read: LTFRB suspends UBER operations for one month, UBER files MR
Because of the fuss regarding driver demand, commuters in the metro can soon hail regular metered taxis through a mobile app like those offered by ride-sharing networks Uber and Grab, called the “My Cab” that will be launched by the Philippine National Taxi Operators Association (PNTOA) this coming September 2017.
“In our proposal before the LTFRB, street-hailed taxis would base the fare on regular meters while app-hailed cabs would use fixed pricing. This is similar to the system in Japan so passengers could know their total fare, which would remain fixed even if the cab will take a longer route or will be stuck in traffic.” said its association president, Atty. Bong Suntay.
Members from the Philippine National Taxi Operators Association only want equal regulation for both metered cabs and ride hailing services from the country’s transport regulator. For them, the taxi industry has nothing against Uber and Grab but of course, what they want are the legal ones to be allowed.
Launching of the “My Cab” is set to take place to allow the taxi industry in the country co-exist, together with the Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) which cover vehicles that provide pre-arranged transportation services for compensation like UBER and GRAB.
Written By: Patricia Antoinette M. Nacianceno
Image Source: Redwire Times, ABS-CBN, Decan Chronicle
Source: Primer, ABS-CBN
