LTFRB: TNC cabbies can now be rated by passengers using mobile app

Drivers of metered taxi cabs using cab-hailing services can now be rated by their passengers through the mobile apps of newly-accredited Transport Network Companies (TNCs), an official of the Land Transportation Franchise Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said.

LTFRB Board Member Aileen Lizada said this rating feature will help operators in weeding out abusive drivers.

“At least now, kung mayrooong mga pasaway na taxi drivers, pwede na yung mga taxi operators mag-blacklist ng mga taxi drivers, na hindi na nila iha-hire kung mababa ang rating otherwise apektado yung kanilang business,” Lizada said in an interview with DZMM on Thursday.

“Actually, ‘yon ang hinaing ng mga taxi operators kasi kung discourteous ang driver, ang tinatamaan po ng penalty ay ang operators,” Lizada added.

Aside from transport giant Grab, new TNCs Hirna, Hype and Micab will utilize taxi cabs with existing franchises.  Lizada clarified that while Hirna and Micab will only use taxi cabs, Hype will also be using private vehicles for its service.

Other TNCs such as Owto, GoLag and Hype will only use private cars.

READ: Taxi-hailing app is 5th TNC to get LTFRB’s OK

LTFRB looks to level the playing field after complaints that Grab Philippines monopolized the TNC industry in the country after its buyout of Uber.

“What government must ensure ay dalawa po: direct competition among TNCs and consumer protection.  It’s good to have competition, meron po silang (riders) mga choices kung saan ang kaya ng budget nila,” Lizada said.

Lizada also reiterated that LTFRB will continue to study the case of TNCs especially that the concept is still new, and government measures may not yet be adequate.

“Itong mga TNC at TNVS, bago ho talaga ito, and even government, we are studying it therefore we cannot come up with strict rules,” she said.  /muf