Transport Network Company Grab has expressed its appreciation for the swift motion taken by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Transportation (DoTr) in addressing the concerns of Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers, particularly amid the vacation season traffic.
In an announcement, Grab prolonged its gratitude for the implementation of a hard and fast pickup fare system, which was introduced as a “compensatory adjustment” to balance the temporary reduction in surge pricing throughout the peak holiday rush.
Grab stated that it had initially raised the problem of uncompensated travel time and fuel costs incurred by drivers, especially before passenger pickup and amidst worsening holiday traffic. The corporate emphasized that this was done to make sure the “realities faced by our driver-partners were fully understood and addressed.”
“We appreciate that the LTFRB listened to those concerns and acted on them through the implementation of a hard and fast pickup fare system,” Grab said, welcoming the measured approach. The corporate noted that the system helps to “balance the temporary reduction in surge pricing while recognizing the true costs borne by drivers in attending to their passengers,” calling it a very important step toward “fair and equitable compensation.”
The LTFRB’s decision to implement the “compensatory adjustment” in TNVS pickup fares shall be in effect from Dec. 20 to Jan. 4. This move is available in response to an appeal from the TNVS Community Philippines (TCP).
The TCP, represented by Spokesperson Lisza Redulla, had taken a robust stance against the planned reduction of the surge cap throughout the holiday season, given the expected increase in traffic congestion and longer travel times for commuters. The group confirmed its continuous dialogue with regulators and TNCs to advertise driver welfare, actively coordinating with the LTFRB to keep up the implementation of the surge during consultations held in December.
Grab reaffirmed its commitment as a partner of the federal government, supporting efforts to develop long-term, sustainable transport solutions, including improved mass public transportation. The TNC pledged to “proceed to interact the federal government constructively to advocate for policies that protect each riders and the driver-partners who keep our system moving.”
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