RIVAL TNC BLOCKS RENEWAL OF GRAB’S LICENSE

Local transport network company (TNC) Hype Inc. has filed a petition opposing Grab’s pending request to renew its operating license, accusing the rival TNC of “unfair” business practices to ensure its monopoly on the ride-hailing industry.

In a petition filed in the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) last week, Hype accused Grab of “blatantly, in varying degrees, [violating] specific terms and conditions governing the operation of a TNC.”

Among the alleged violations it cited was Grab’s unilateral imposition of the P2 per minute travel rate from July 2017 to April this year which the LTFRB ordered suspended in May.

Grab earlier maintained that it could charge the fee under the now-rescinded Department Order No. 2015-13. The LTFRB, however, said that it was the only agency with the power to set rates as it fined Grab P10 million.

Hype also accused Grab of charging passengers anywhere from P62 to P100 as the standard taxi booking fee instead of the usual P40 during rush hour.

Lastly, it accused Grab of implementing “dubious, unrealistic and unsustainable incentives” for its driver-partners.

These practices have proven disadvantageous not just to competitors but also to the riding public and its driverpartners, said Hype spokesperson Jennifer Silan.

Grab could not be immediately reached for comment.