LTFRB moves vs predatory pricing, gives Uber, Grab Taxi 10 days to explain fare scheme

The Land Transportation and Regulatory Franchising Board (LTFRB) ordered transport networking companies, including Uber and Grab Taxi, to show within ten days how they set their fare rates, a report from GMA's “24 Oras” said Friday

 

In the report, LTFRB Chairman Atty. Winston Ginez said the LTFRB wants to know how the TNCs are able to change their pricing depending on the road situation.

 

“We don't want predatory pricing. Ibig sabihin under the Consumers Act the price should not be too high na ma-pupuwersa ang isang consumer na kagatin yun dahil nandoon yung pangangailangan,” he said.

 

Earlier, the LTFRB also asked TNCs to remove the drop off feature that allows drivers to see where their clients are headed, giving them time to decline the booking similar to how regular taxis refuse trips.

 

“If the LTFRB decides to say 'no you shouldn't show the drop off' then we will always comply,” Grabcar President Natasha Bautista said.

 

The LTRFB's move comes after complaints from TNC clients that drivers from these premium taxi services have started snubbing booking request.

 

Among the complaints that caught the agency's attention was a TNC client who claimed she had to offer a P1,200 tip before the driver accepted her booking during rush hour.  — Andrei Medina/ELR, GMA News