Grab’s P2-per-minute charge still suspended

The P2-per-minute charge of ride-hailing company Grab Philippines will remain suspended, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said yesterday.

LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III said the suspension of the travel charge remains until all questions on its legality are resolved.

Delgra said the travel charge is among the elements included in Grab’s fare hike petition, the other being the base fare, surge rate and distance rate.

Grab country manager Brian Cu yesterday appealed to the LTFRB to reimpose the P2-per-minute travel charge so their transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers can recoup their losses.

But during the hearing on Grab’s appeal to reimpose the P2-per-minute charge and fare hike petition, Delgra said: “We will just resolve both the pending motion as well as the main case as one.”

In an interview with reporters, he said the LTFRB will craft a fare structure for all transport network companies such as Grab.

The LTFRB set the next hearing on Grab’s petitions on July 25 at 9 a.m.

Grab is also asking the LTFRB to allow new applicants to drive to fill the cap of drivers allowed in Metro Manila, which is 65,000.

According to Grab public affairs head Leo Emmanuel Gonzales, they only have around 35,000 drivers, which is not enough to serve approximately 650,000 bookings in a day.

“We are not asking for more than the cap,” he said.

Sought for comment, Delgra insisted new applicants should follow the process, which is obtaining a certificate of public convenience at the LTFRB.

“They should first apply for a franchise before obtaining accreditation,” he said.