TNVS drivers ‘dismayed’ over LTFRB plan to cut surge rate

LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) drivers were “dismayed” over the proposal of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to reduce surge fees by 50 percent.

Surge fees are set by transport network companies (TNCs) as a surcharge in the price for their services whenever drivers are few in an area or limited by traffic.

LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III floated the idea to cut TNVS surge fees by as much as 50 percent, citing complaints in a radio interview on Tuesday morning.

READ: LTFRB eyeing 50 percent reduction in TNVS surge rate

“Ang TNVS Community Philippines (TCP) ay dismayado sa balak ng LTFRB na pagbawas at mas lalong paghihigpit sa surge pricing ng mga TNC,” the alliance of raid-hailing service drivers’ unions said in a statement on Tuesday evening.

(The TNVS Community Philippines is dismayed by the LTFRB’s plan to reduce and further tighten the surge pricing of TNCs.)

Moreover, TCP maintained that its flag-down rate complied with the P45 rate already set by the LTFRB fare matrix.

Guadiz questioned the formula employed by TNCs in determining the surge rate, suggesting that ride-hailing services can make the surcharge either uniform or reduced.

TCP, however, insisted that without a surge rate, drivers would lose money to gas, time spent in traffic and other expenses during their trips.

READ: LTFRB issues special permits to PUVs for holiday rush

“Sa biglaan at walang abisong pagliit ng pinapayagang surge fee, walang ibang talo kung hindi ang driver,” the organization added.

(In suddenly and unexpectedly reducing the allowed surge fee, no one else loses but the driver.)

The LTFRB chief said the board was likely to release its decision before Christmas.

Meanwhile, TNVS Community Philippines urged the LTFRB to study the policy proposal and have a dialogue with the group.

TCP said, “Nawa’y maintindihan ng mas nakararami na hindi lamang ang kapakanan ng mga pasahero o ang interes ng TNCs ang dapat binibigyang-pansin, kundi pati na rin ang sapat at patas na kabuhayan para sa mga TNVS drivers.”

(We hope that the general public will understand that it’s not just the passenger or the TNC’s interests that should be given attention but also the adequate and fair livelihood of TNVS drivers.)