Official: Government must get share from Grab, Uber

THE government must get a share of gross revenues from transport network companies (TNCs) Grab and Uber amid the impending crackdown on illegal ride-sharing operations, an official said.

“The government should also have a share from their earnings. If needed, there should be mechanics on revenue-share collection. Their respective incomes should also be shared to the government,” said Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade in a press conference.

Tugade made the statement amid the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) decision to apprehend Grab and Uber drivers without franchise starting July 26.

App-based drivers will have to pay a P120,000 fine and their vehicles will be impounded for three months if they continue to operate illegally.

Tugade clarified that the government is not against the TNCs, saying all they need is to comply with the transport rules and regulations.

“Let me make it very, very clear: Number one, the Department of Transportation had nothing and is not against any shared ridership,” he said.

“Number two, that the DOTr (Department of Transportation) is not against technology, the used technology to improve the transport system in the country; number three, we are not against convenience for the riding public,” he added.

The DOTr chief noted that out of 56,000 Uber and Grab drivers, only 10 percent of them are accredited by the government.

“Out of the 56,000 operating on the roads, those who are registered (are) only less than 10 percent. What the LTFRB is saying, ‘Can you please register?’ What makes you so different with other public utility vehicles? Just because you are TNC, you will not register. That’s not just,” Tugade said. SunStar Philippines