MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday advised the Land Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to find ways how to reasonably help transport services like local Uber instead of suspending its operations and impounding them as colorum vehicles.
Uber is a techie transportation network that makes mobile apps that connect passengers with drivers of private vehicles for hire and ridesharing services.
The company arranges pickups wherein cars are reserved by sending a text message or by using a mobile app and within 10 minutes the vehicle would arrive, providing relief to Metro Manilans, similar to a system in California.
In Metro Manila, Uber’s service is available at the Makati and Ortigas corridors.
Acting on the complaint of the Philippine National Taxi Operators Association, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino gave the advice following reports that the LTFRB has disabled Uber, which adversely affected commuters and is reportedly set to impose sanctions on its operations.
"The muscle of the law and the procedural and technical arms of government agencies alone cannot resolve the lack of alternate means of transportation problem. They can only increase apprehension records. Uber or hybrid carpooling is a well-meaning technology-driven effort intended for public safety and convenience that’s why people are patronizing it. We cannot curtail their mobility rights. This is similar to private bridal cars and private ambulances for rent which is a private transaction between the rider and the owner of the vehicle,” Tolentino said.
He said that inasmuch as the government would not allow the taxicab industry to fail, it should not also curtail Uber’s options because of the wide range of opportunities and customer’s choice it provides, like convenience, comfort and riding safety, as Uber provides top of the line SUVs (sports utility vehicles) and limousines.
Uber’s service car models include Fortuner, Montero, Camry, and Hummers which passengers say are far more better and safer than dilapidated taxicabs plying around town with some having tampered meters, some of whom even ignoring taxicab commuter pleas for a ride.
“Perhaps there is another way of looking at this system, as no irregularity under the Public Service Law, as amended, is being committed here, and has proven to be beneficial to commuters," Tolentino said.