LTFRB mulls franchise for Uber vehicles

MANILA, Philippines - Despite an imposed moratorium, the government might consider issuing franchises to vehicles affiliated with online cab provider Uber.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chair Winston Ginez said this was one of the options they were looking into as they are set to meet with representatives of Uber. There is currently a moratorium on franchises issued to taxicabs.

According to Ginez, it will be up to the Department of Transportation and Communications to decide whether the government would grant franchises to Uber-affiliated vehicles. The DOTC is the mother agency of the LTFRB.

In a recent statement, DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya told the LTFRB to work together with Uber.

Abaya said transportation regulations should facilitate convenient, safe and reliable services to the public, not hamper them.

Abaya issued the statement after the LTFRB was criticized for apprehending an affiliate vehicle of Uber for colorum operations.

According to Ginez, they were still finalizing the schedule of the meeting.

During the meeting, Ginez said, the board and the DOTC would listen to Uber representatives on issues concerning their operations.

Ginez has said in the past that the board would not apprehend the vehicles if Uber only tapped cabs with existing franchises.