Grab no-show at LTFRB hearing

MANILA, Philippines — Ride-hailing firm Grab yesterday failed to attend a hearing set by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to shed light on surge fees being paid by commuters.

The LTFRB summoned Grab after receiving complaints from commuters of being charged with surge fee even during ordinary hours.

According to Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection president Ariel Inton, Grab should collect surge fee from passengers during rush hours only.

An anchorman from a radio station complained that his regular fare for a Grab taxi was supposed to be P180 only. But he was made to pay over P200 due to surge fee.

The LTFRB assured commuters it would look into the issue to protect the people, who are already burdened with the soaring prices of basic commodities.

Inton also questioned Grab’s supposedly automatic fare increase of P85 even for a short trip.