LTFRB to Uber: Explain planned surcharge for tollway trips

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has stopped Uber Philippines from collecting P80 to P100 in surcharges from riders passing through specific toll ways in the southern part of Metro Manila.

“Uber is directed not to implement this ‘surcharge’ but instead file its position paper on the matter for the board’s deliberation and consideration,” the LTFRB said in an advisory on Thursday.

Uber earlier announced that the surcharges were “on top of the fare and toll fees” and would be collected starting Dec. 7.

“We want to make sure that partner-drivers are able to cover for their cost in a sustainable manner,” the company said.

Uber said an P80 surcharge would be implemented if the Uber vehicle used Skyway, Magallanes or C5 as entry points and exited at either Bicutan or Sucat.

A P100-surcharge would apply to customers riding Uber vehicles using Skyway, Magallanes or C5 as entry points and exiting at Alabang, Filinvest or Susana Heights, it added. —JEROME ANING