LTFRB: Uber, Grab drivers now face same penalties as erring cab drivers

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has revised the rules covering transport network companies (TNCs), specifically on the accreditation of their operations and the conditions for the maintenance of their driver-partners’ certificate of public conveyance.

The changes were laid out in four memorandum circulars published by the LTFRB which amended the ones it issued in July regarding TNCs like Grab and Uber and Transportation Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) units.

Under a memorandum circular adopted by the LTFRB on Oct. 23, TNCs are now classified as transport providers which are subject to liabilities specified by law. Penalties imposed on taxi drivers who refuse to convey passengers will also be applied to TNVS drivers who cancel online bookings.

“The TNC shall exercise due diligence of a good father of a family in accrediting and supervising its drivers. The TNC shall be held liable for acts or omissions committed by its TNVS while online, except if the same is beyond the TNC’s control,” the LTFRB said.

The accreditation of erring TNVS may also be suspended unlike before when the driver or operator was just fined.