‘Not yet too late’: Gov’t, ride-hailing firms must act fast on commuters’ suffering — Poe

MANILA, Philippines — The government and ride-hailing firms should “quickly” act on the transportation woes of commuters, Senator Grace Poe said on Thursday, noting that “it is not yet too late.”

Commuters are frustrated with public transportation since it is more difficult to get a ride, especially during the holiday season.

“Concerned government agencies and private ride-hailing companies must also quickly act on complaints of contracting, overcharging, and cancellations of bookings done by some ruthless riders preying on hapless commuters,” she said in a statement.

“The unscrupulous acts by some riders are unfair to their fellows who eke out a living through honest and decent means, and to passengers who are not supposed to spare extra cash for the service,” the Senate committee on public services chairperson added.

The government, Poe said, should have “efficient” coordination with transport providers to guarantee that sufficient public utility vehicles (PUVs) are plying the road.

“It is not yet too late, though, for our transportation officials to work something out to deploy more PUVs, such as buses, to help ease the hours of a wait before getting a ride,” she raised.

Noting that the ride demand “has caught up with the sorely lacking public transportation,”, especially in the capital region, Poe stressed that “the holiday season must not become a travel nightmare for millions of our people.”

READ: Commuter woes worsen during pandemic

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