Hype asks LTFRB not to renew Grab’s license to operate

Transport network vehicle service (TNVS) Hype has filed a petition to the Land Transportation and Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) asking it not to renew the Grab Philippines’ license to operate.

Grab’s certificate of accreditation expired already last July 3. Its petition to renew and extend its license is still pending with the board.

According to Hype, Grab has been engaged in “unfair” business practices, making the ride-sharing market uneven for both drivers and operators.

Jen Silan, chief operating officer of Hype Transport Systems, Inc., said her company met with other TNVs stakeholder and they agreed that Grab had violated some terms under the rules governing transport network companies.

“Their issues with Grab came to the forefront of the discussions, and with their blessing, we have decided to make these known and elevate them to the proper authorities,” Silan said

Silan noted that some of the violations of Grab included illegally charging P2 per minute of waiting time and charging its passengers a taxi booking fee of up to P100 or higher during peak hours.

Hype also has a pending case filed at the LTFRB regarding its own issue on the P2-per-minute charge.

READ: LTFRB asks Hype to explain allegations of overcharging

Hype categorically denied the allegation.

READ: Hype denies allegation of fare overcharging

The issue of Grab’s alleged P2-per-minute charge is now up for resolution by the LTFRB.

Grab admitted, however, its failure to inform its passengers about the P2-per-minute charge. But it stood firm that that its fares had been “legal and upfront.”

READ: Grab PH says fares are legal, upfront

The Hype COO also described the incentives that Grab offers its drivers as “dubious, unrealistic, and unsustainable.”

Silan questioned Grab on how would it could make a profit given its weekly incentives to drivers.

INQUIRER.net asked for Grab for comment, but it has not replied as of this posting. /atm