Group seeks fare cut for Uber, GrabCar

MANILA, Philippines - After approving a 50-centavo fare cut for public utility jeepneys, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) should compel transport network vehicle (TNV) providers such as Uber and GrabCar to implement a fare rollback, a transport group said yesterday.

In a seven-page petition, the 1-United Transport Koalisyon (1-Utak) said Uber, GrabCar and other TNVs accredited by the LTFRB should reduce fare rates by 50 percent.

The group said the fare scheme for TNVs should be patterned after that of taxi services.

Under a Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) order last year, TNVs can set their own fares.

The LTFRB is an attached agency of the DOTC.

LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez said the petition filed by 1-Utak for a fare rollback for TNVs would be set for hearing.

“I can’t say at this time if providing a fare cut for TNVs is feasible,” Ginez said.