THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it summoned Transport Network Companies (TNCs) over complaints from commuters that fares have spiked starting December.
In a statement on Tuesday, the LTFRB said it has called for a meeting with TNCs this week to tackle commuters’ complaints of alleged increase in fares.
“According to commuters, some ride-hailing applications have started to charge higher fares since the Christmas season began, particularly this month,” the regulator said.
The LTFRB said ride-hailing firms have a standard rate of P40 as base fare, P10-15 per kilometer, P2 per minute, and a 2x surge limit based on traffic flow.
LTFRB Chairman Martin B. Delgra IIII said the agency is looking into the complaints it received.
“The agency is at the forefront of ensuring public transportation remains safe, convenient, and also affordable,” he added.
The regulator said it aims to settle the matter with accredited TNCs “within this week.”
Grab Philippines Public Relations Manager Arvi Persan P. Lopez told reporters via Viber group message that the company has yet to receive the invitation from the LTFRB.
“We have yet to receive the official invitation from the LTFRB on this subject, but we will definitely comply and attend to this discussion,” he said.
Earlier this year, the Philippine Competition Commission slapped Grab Philippines with a P23.45 million fine for breaching its initial pricing commitments. — Arjay L. Balinbin
