LTFRB to Meet with TNCs Over Holiday Fare Hike

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to meet with transport network companies (TNCs) this week to discuss complaints of an excessive surge in fares during the holidays.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the LTFRB said it has called the attention of TNCs, such as Grab Philippines and Angkas regarding the matter.

“According to commuters, some ride-hailing applications have started to charge higher fares since the Christmas season began, particularly this month,” the post read.

“The LTFRB, in cooperation with accredited TNCs, are looking to settle this matter within the week,” it added.

For his part, LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III said the issues will be dealt with by the LTFRB.

“The agency is at the forefront of ensuring public transportation remains safe, convenient, and also affordable. We will look into this,” Delgra said.

The LTFRB said these ride-hailing applications have a standard rate of PHP40 as base fare, in addition to a PHP10-15 per kilometer and PHP2 per-minute charges.

During rush hour or heavy traffic, the LTFRB said TNCs are also allowed to double their per kilometer and per-minute charges through surge-pricing.

Arvin Lopez, a public relations officer of Grab Philippines, said they have yet to receive an official invitation from the LTFRB but has guaranteed the company’s presence should the meeting occur.

“We have yet to receive the official invitation from the LTFRB on this subject, but we will definitely comply and attend to this discussion,” Lopez said in a message to reporters.

In November, the LTFRB announced a review of the fare setting of Grab Philippines following a recent fine imposed on the company for overcharging.

Imposed by the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), the LTFRB said the fine was due to Grab’s failure to follow through with a voluntary commitment it made with the antitrust body and had nothing to do with the policies set by the agency. (PNA)