MANILA, Philippines — Amid numerous complaints from passengers over ride cancellations, Sen. Raffy Tulfo yesterday criticized ride-hailing giant Grab Philippines and other transportation network companies (TNC).
The Senate committees on public services and local government conducted a joint hearing on the surge fees of transport network vehicle services (TNVS) during the Christmas season.
Tulfo questioned Grab following complaints of passengers who have to wait for a long time to book a ride only to be canceled by Grab drivers.
“Drivers accepted the bookings, then passengers would wait from two to 30 minutes and eventually the trip gets canceled,” Tulfo said.
Adding to the passengers’ frustration, Tulfo pointed out the disparity in fines imposed by TNVS.
“If the passenger cancels, there’s a P50 fine. If the driver cancels, nothing happens – you’re just talking about stars. Explain!” Tulfo told Grab officials during the hearing.
Gregorio Tingson, Grab’s head of public affairs, said drivers are also fined for account suspension if they cancel the ride.
“When it comes to price surge, about 80 percent of the extra fare goes to the drivers when there is traffic due to heavy rain and during the Christmas season,” Tingson said.
Grab also gives additional incentives to drivers who are hired during the price surge, he said.
Tulfo demanded that the cancellation fee of P50 be removed to be fair to passengers.
Tingson, however, pointed out that the cancellation fees were in compliance with the rules of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
Tulfo also questioned Grab over reports that its drivers refused the bookings of senior citizens, persons with disabilities and students who are entitled to 20 percent discount.
Saturnino Mopas, chairman of the TNVS Community Philippines, said TNCs shoulder the 20 percent discount.