Go after “colorum” public vehicles first and deal with Grab and Uber later.
Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Rep. Jericho Nograles gave this advice to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), which drew flak from commuters for training its eyes on a transport system they have lauded as dependable.
In a statement, Nograles said the public considers these transportation network services (TNS), such as Uber and Grab, as more convenient and safe commuting option, especially with the proliferation of rude taxi drivers.
“While it is correct that the LTFRB cannot allow unregistered drivers and operators, which is the issue being raised in the case of Uber and Grab, it should not also turn a blind eye on the fact that a huge number of people find it safer and more convenient to use these transport network services, rather than take a taxi driven by rude cabbies,” Nograles said.
Nograles said phasing out Uber and Grab would be a bad move, considering the frequent breakdowns of trains of the Metro Rail Transit 3 and Light Rail Transit 1 and 2.
“People are using Uber and Grab precisely because they don’t want to ride on these bad-smelling public conveyances driven by rude drivers. They get Uber and Grab because they fear riding on MRT due to constant breakdowns. People patronize their services because they feel safer and more comfortable. Why take this away from them?” Nograles said.
Nograles made the statement after the LTFRB imposed a P5-million fine on Grab and Uber for letting many TNS vehicles operate without franchises.
READ: LTFRB to impound Uber, Grab cars lacking franchise
The regulatory board said that by July 26, drivers would be penalized with P120,000 and their vehicles would be impounded for at least three months if caught operating without a certificate of public conveyance or provisional license from the LTFRB.
READ: LTFRB stands firm vs Grab, Uber but clarifies services not suspended
Nograles took note of an Uber and Grab user’s comment that the LTFRB should not blame the TNS vehicles for the worsening traffic in the metropolis, which should be blamed on colorum public utility vehicles instead.
He said keeping Uber and Grab vehicles off the streets would most likely worsen traffic. Passenger build-up on train stations and on major road chokepoints where buses, jeepneys and UV Express normally converge to get passengers are bound to happen, he said.
“What they do not understand is the fact that while it is true that traffic volume is causing Metro Manila’s traffic, it should not be blamed on Uber and Grab because unlike other public conveyances that are constantly on the road to get passengers, most of these transport network services are only on the road when they have a client. Our LTFRB folks should address the real causes of traffic like illegal terminals and colorum taxis, buses and jeepneys,” Nograles said.
“These are private entities that are heavily self-regulated and pay their taxes correctly. Don’t kill it,” he added.
Nograles called on the LTFRB to come up with a “win-win” solution.
“The problem has been lingering since the past administration. I urge the new LTFRB to address this once and for all. Surely there’s a win-win somewhere,” Nograles said.
READ: Commuters tell LTFRB: #WeWantUberGrab