Speed up review of Uber, Grab policies, LTFRB urged

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board ( LTFRB) should fasttrack its review of the policies of transport network firms Grab and Uber to ensure the safety of passengers and protect them from exorbitant fare “surge” rates, a lawmaker said yesterday.

The LTRFB should come up with a formula that would put a cap on the “surge” or higher pricing scheme of Uber and Grab during rainy days and peak hours to protect passengers from being “virtually scammed” by these car-booking companies, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said.

While Grab, Uber and other online transportation companies are filling the service gaps not being provided by taxis, they should be regulated and not end up copying the bad practices of some taxi operators and drivers who overcharge passengers during rush hours and rainy days, he said.

“I understand that Uber and Grab resort to surge pricing during peak hours and rainy days to encourage more drivers to go on the road, but the increase should be reasonable and should not take advantage of the desperation of their passengers to get a ride at times when they need it the most,” Villafuerte added. Better screening

He also said the LTFRB should come up with measures to further tighten the screening procedures for drivers joining Grab, Uber and other car- booking firms to ensure the safety of passengers using their services.

“I’m happy to learn that the LTFRB is now reviewing its guidelines governing these companies before the onset of the holiday rush. But the LTFRB should do it sooner than later and immediately address the mounting complaints against Grab and Uber,” he said.

He cited media reports that even LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III had a relative complaining about being charged P1,000 for a ride from Bonifacio Global City to Quezon City on a rainy day.

Villafuerte said he had also read of complaints about untidy cars, arrogant and reckless drivers and even some drivers who sexually harass their passengers.

“These are serious charges that require immediate action from the LTFRB. Passengers choose these car-booking firms because they want to be ensured of their safety. The LTFRB should come up with stringent measures to screen drivers joining Grab, Uber and other car-booking companies,” he said.