Uber welcomes LTFRB proposal for regulation

MANILA, Philippines - Technology application firm Uber has welcomed the decision of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to identify a new mode of public transportation to regulate online-enabled transportation services (OETS).

Karun Arya, Uber communications unit head for South Asia, expressed gratitude to the LTFRB for inviting representatives of the company in the discussions regarding the regulation of transportation services utilizing the Internet.

 “We welcome the opportunity to engage further with the Department of Transportation and Communication and LTFRB as they continue to develop regulations that are modern, reasonable and, above all, promote the mutual goals of passenger safety,” Arya said in a statement sent to The STAR.

Earlier, the LTFRB released draft documents recognizing transportation network vehicle services as a new mode of service for public land transportation in the Philippines. The order has yet to be approved by Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya.

The LTFRB came up with the draft documents following a series of consultations with representatives of Uber and other OETS that connects drivers with passengers.

Once approved, the order will pave way for the possibility to issue certificates of public conveniences or franchises to vehicles that offer such services.