LTFRB to tackle complaints vs ‘choosy’ GrabTaxi drivers

THE LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has set a meeting with the operators of the app-based transport service GrabTaxi to address complaints from commuters about the “choosy” cab drivers whom they tried to book on the night of Sept. 8, when heavy rains and flash floods paralyzed traffic in many parts of Metro Manila.

In an interview on Friday, LTFRB Executive Director Roberto Cabrera III said the meeting scheduled for Wednesday would discuss ways to prevent such situations from happening again.

The local unit behind GrabTaxi issued a public apology also on Friday, admitting that its partner drivers failed to serve all commuters who sought its service that Tuesday night because they themselves were caught in the gridlock.

Along with Uber, GrabTaxi was granted accreditation by the LTFRB last month as the first recognized TNCs or transport network companies in the country, subjecting them to government regulation.

While TNCs are “allowed to discuss things among themselves first, [the LTFRB] has a right to know what’s going on,” Cabrera said. “Personally I went around and was able to talk to some drivers of [GrabTaxi] about what happened on Tuesday.”

The drivers, he said, maintained that they were not being choosy that night. It’s just that “they had nowhere to go.”

GrabTaxi said new measures were already being drawn up to improve its service in view of the recent complaints, including an “update” in its system for matching supply and demand especially during peak hours.

It also disclosed plans to impose stricter penalties on errant drivers, like those who fail to switch off the app when unable to accept passengers. Riders were also encouraged “to rate our drivers and give proper feedback in our app so that we may be able to take corrective actions.”

Also on the agenda of the upcoming meeting with the LTFRB is a review of GrabTaxi’s pricing model and optional tip feature.