Cebu taxi operators file TRO against Uber, Grab
Aside from a P10 fare rebate, taxi operators and drivers now face stiff competition from Grab subscribed taxi drivers and motorists offering services through Uber. They staged a rally to ventilate their sentiments in this March 2016 file photo
Operators say LTFRB delegated function to regulate fares to foreign firms
A taxi operators group in Cebu filed for a temporary restraining order in court against the issuance of provisional transport permits to taxi operators and motorists that were subscribed to online transport networks like Uber, Grab and U-Hop.
“What is at stake here is not only the right of petitioners, but also the welfare and safety of the public,” read a petition by the Metro Cebu Taxi Operators.
Their petition filed last June 29 stemmed from an order issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) giving Grab, Uber and U-Hop provisional authority to operate online transport network vehicle services.
The group said the LTFRB allowed Grab, Uber and U-Hop to operate without certificate of public convenience which violates the Public Service Act.
They said the LTFRB delegated its functions to regulate fares, rates, and other related charges to foreign transport network companies.
“This unequal treatment has caused material damage to taxi operators not only in terms of financial consideration, but also in hiring of drivers who prefer the ‘more lucrative’ transport network vehicles system unit,” the petition reads.
The Metro Cebu Taxi Operators said the LTFRB allowed foreign firms to profit from the riding public in the guise of operating public service vehicles.
Cebu Daily News tried but was unable to contact LTFRB regional director Ahmed Cuizon for their side on the issue.
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