Senator Raffy Tulfo on Tuesday said ride-hailing company Grab Philippines should address concerns aired by commuters—entitled to discounts—regarding difficulties in getting rides.
Commuters such as Persons with Disabilities (PWD), students, and senior citizens are currently entitled to a 20-percent discount.
According to Gio Tingson, head of Public Affairs of Grab PH, there is a lack of supply of drivers as they mostly wait for the rush hour to calm down. He also noted incentives may help the drivers’ morale.
Upon questioning, Tulfo said he learned that Grab drivers are the ones shouldering the 20% discount instead of the Grab company itself.
According to Tulfo, this might be a cause for the drivers to be “demoralized” on accepting discounted commuters.
“That’s why the drivers keep rejecting it, because they say, ‘We will absorb this,’ whereas if Grab absorbs it, the drivers will be more than happy to accept it,” Tulfo said.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Teofilo Guadiz said the agency has a memorandum for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) such as Grab, which said these companies should shoulder the 20 percent discount and not the driver.
“Before we award them the franchise andon na po yun, the 20% discount shall be shouldered by the TNC regardless of whether it’s Grab or any other TNC,” Guadiz said.
LTFRB said that the franchise of Grab might be possibly suspended if drivers file a statement of complaint regarding this matter as fas as next week.
Tulfo also noted the holidays combined with the rainy season have made commuting a bigger pain than usual considering that it is harder for commuters to book Grab.
“Many are not driving, and some are waiting for the traffic to subside, so they need to be incentivized to get back on the road, especially when the riding public needs them,” Tingson said.
Grab also explained that drivers who cancel booking after a long waiting time on the commuter’s side, are being investigated for proper action. Grab users can also lower the star rating of the said riders making the Grab PH aware of the driver’s action.
“If it is found that there is no substantial reason for the cancellation from the driver, we also notify and call our drivers to remind them that the policy is to avoid cancellations as much as possible,” the executive said.