How many short journeys cost P85? LTFRB orders Grab PH to yield data

FILE PHOTO: A commuter books a vehicle via the ride-hailing app Grab in Manila. – The Land Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered Grab Philippines to submit data on the number of times the ride-hailing app charged its passengers P85 for short trips. PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER / RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines —Grab Philippines was ordered by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday to submit data on how often the company’s ride-hailing app charged P85 for short trips.

Grab Philippines’ price surge complaint hearings ended with the order.

LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said they would then come up with a decision regarding complaints on the sudden fare hikes of Grab Philippines after carefully studying all relevant documents and position papers from concerned parties. The LTFRB’s ruling, he added, may be out by the first week of February.

“There will be no more hearing on this issue. We have already asked them to submit their position paper, and that’s when we will come up with a decision,” he said in a statement.

Guadiz stressed that there is a need to set parameters and clarify that ride-hailing apps’ price surges should not be determined by just one company or by mere supply and demand.

“What we intend to do now is to put up parameters that only one entity can set the pricing. While it is true that the party has the mechanism, the government still exercises regulatory functions and defines when they can impose an increase,” he pointed out.

“What we would like to establish is at what time they can impose an increase and in what areas they can make the increase,” he added.

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KGA/abc