Support for Uber, Grab mounts

Commuters relying on transport network vehicle services (TNVS) have taken to social media to air their support for ride-sharing’s most popular companies Uber and Grab, as well as rant against regular taxis and the service’s “tormentor,” the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), which has threatened to impound and fine around 80 percent of these TNVS that the Board claims would have no existing franchises come July 26.

That deadline is fast approaching. In seven days, Grab and Uber vehicles that allegedly have no franchises to operate will be impounded for up to three months, and their owners/drivers fined P120,000.

As expected, commuters and netizens have turned “beast mode” against the LTFRB and regular taxis.

Journalist Raul Marcelo, 57, who says he hops onto Uber up to three times a week, “especially late at night because it is safe,” posted in his Facebook page: “LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada criticizes Uber and Grab for allowing drivers without the required franchise work within their networks. She also threatens them with cancellation of their permits. Madam, how can those drivers have the franchise when LTFRB suspended granting franchises in July 2016? Thousands of applications for Uber and Grab franchises are actually pending at the LTFRB since last year. So whose fault is it? Nakakainis! [Irritating!]”, he wrote.

Vegan activist, freelance writer and graphic designer Aurus Feal Sy, 32, who uses both Uber and Grab, said: “Both the companies and partners are professional, the service is safe and convenient, and the cars are clean. I know I don’t need to worry about anything when riding with Uber or Grab.”

Film/TV/theater artist Lui Quiambao Manansala, 63, posted on her Facebook page: “Let us support Uber and Grab where we, especially women, feel safer. Demand LTFRB to expedite processing of Uber and Grab papers. What’s taking LTFRB people too long to act on their papers?”

Former PR practitioner Myra Salvosa, 52, said “Uber has replaced my car.” She posted: “This is crazy. There wouldn’t be Uber and Grab if only taxis are 1) clean, 2) You don’t get a feeling you are being ripped off by their fast meters, 3) They give the correct sukli [change].”

Zane Ronquillo, 38, who is a senior copywriter for an integrated marketing communications firm, typed: “So how about tagging the LTFRB Central Office in all the scary commuter and taxi stories you know (and so they know, too)? If you ask me about local transpo companies worth lauding, I’ll tell you. They do exist, but they are not the majority in my experience. I’ve said too many Our Fathers and Hail Marys otherwise. #alaminLTFRB.”

Inquirer reported yesterday that LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada stood firm on Monday on their decision against the TNCs (transport network companies), pointing out that they “were simply cleaning up the mess that the TNCs created.”

Lizada was quoted as saying that: “The board gave both TNCs the opportunity to comply (with our order) to show good faith. In the event that they refuse or fail to comply, then enforcement is in order. The board will not be influenced nor will it succumb to pressure,” she told reporters.

LTFRB fined Grab and Uber P5 million each for violating the terms and conditions of their accreditation, such as the inclusion in their platforms of drivers who do not have franchises to operate.

Lizada said the TNCs were not given the harshest penalty which was the cancellation of their accreditation out of consideration for the riding public.

By July 26, however, the kid gloves are apparently off. —With a report from Jovic Yee, Inquirer Headlines