Grab petitions LTFRB to allow extra travel time charge

Ride-sharing company Grab Philippines has filed a petition with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to allow the reimposition of the R2-per-minute extra travel time charge recently ordered suspended by the agency.

Based on the petition filed on May 22, Grab asked LTFRB to set aside its recent order to suspend the imposition of the per minute charge as it is "contrary to law and applicable jurisprudence."

The LTFRB released an order last month to My Taxi PH, Inc., owner of Grab, to put off its extra travel time charge in their fare structure pending extensive review and resolution on the issue.

The decision came after the Board summoned Grab for a hearing following allegations of PBA partylist Representative Jericho Nograles that the company owed some R3.2 billion to its riders for "illegaly" charging travel time rate.

Also in April, the transport network company filed a motion for reconsideration on LTFRB's order and appealed that the suspension is "contrary to the law" and would cause "grave or irreparable damage to its riders and drivers."

Grab also insisted that its R2 fare component was legal and was based on a Department of Transportation Order in 2015 authorizing TNCs to set their own fares.

In the 10-page petition, Grab also cited the case of recently-accredited TNC players, namely Hype, Hirna, GoLag, Owto, and Micab, who impose per minute charges on their fare matrix.

"It would be the height of injustice if other TNCs are allowed to impose per minute charges and the petitioner is the only one that is precluded from doing so," the petition stated.

In a Facebook post, Grab Philippines Country Head Brian Cu announced to their partner-drivers that they are doing what they can to help them.

"We know it’s been hard for you to always adjust in the continuous increase of fuel prices, as well as maintenance cost of your vehicles," Cu said.

Cu also reminded partnerdrivers "to continue driving and to continue providing good service to the riding public," while they are discussing issues with transport regulators.

Meanwhile, LTFRB member Atty. Aileen Lizada said that the petition will be discussed further by the Board while awaiting the hearing on May 29.