New transport network companies’ fare schemes comparable to Grab’s

The recent approval of five new transport network companies to compete with Grab Philippines will give passengers more options to choose from.

Saleema Refran's report on GMA News' "24 Oras" on Tuesday enumerates three new taxi-hailing apps that will serve the commuting public with fares based on meters plus a booking fee: Micab, Hirna, and Hype, all set to go up against Grab Taxi.

Operating as app-based ride-hailing service companies to compete with Grab Philippines as well are Hype, GoLag, and Owto.

The report compares the following elements of these TNCs' fare schemes:

Base fares

• Grab: P40 – P80
• Hype: P40 – P80
• GoLag: P40 – P90
• Owto: P40 – P60

Per-kilometer charges

• Grab: P10 – P14
• Hype: P14 – P15
• GoLag: P14 – P18
• Owto: P12 – P17.50

Price surges

• Grab: up to 1.5x
• Hype: up to 2x
• GoLag: up to 1.5x
• Owto: up to 2x

Per-minute charges

• Grab: P2.00 (suspended)
• Hype: none
• GoLag: P2.00
• Owto: P2.00

Cancellation fees

• Grab: none
• Hype: none
• GoLag: none
• Owto: P50.00

Operations

• Grab: Metro Manila, other large urban areas
• Hype: Metro Manila
• GoLag: Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal
• Owto: Metro Manila

"We are allowing the riders to have choices of what TNC they would like to use for their transportation requirements or needs. They will be able to compare now the different prices that these TNCs have to offer. Not only the prices but the services as well," Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) official Aileen Lizada said.

Transport network companies are the firms operating ride-hailing and ride-sharing apps, while transport network vehicle services (TNVS) are the drivers providing their service to the commuting public through the TNCs' apps.

The LTFRB's onboarding process for TNVS is ongoing. Drivers can join different platforms as long as they are included in the agency's common database of 65,000 TNVS drivers.

Lizada warned erring TNVS drivers that they will be blacklisted from joining the pool or being part of any TNC.

"There will be blacklisting of drivers and operators among TNCs. In itself, we will be policing the ranks of the TNVS," she said. — Ted Cordero/BM, GMA News