LTFRB urged: Provide rules on transport firms’ booking fees in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY -- City officials here urged the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to make guidelines for booking fees and other charges for the Transport Network Companies (TNCs) and Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) to prevent them from overcharging, especially during peak hours where there is heavy demand for their services by people wanting to go home.
    Under resolution 048, series of 2023, considered by the local legislative body were statements of resource persons on matters related to proposed resolution 0016-23 introduced by Councilor Betty Lourdes F. Tabanda that sought to invite the LTFRB–Cordillera Administrative Region, in aid of legislation, to apprise the body and public on matters pertaining to taxi online booking.
    The online booking became controversial in the National Capital Region when Grab Philippines allegedly imposed a surge fee for bookings by prospective passengers during rush hours which caused outrage among motorists and advocates of rights of passengers.
    The council also requested the LTFRB-CAR to conduct an intensive information and education campaign on the online digital platform of hailing/riding a taxi for its effective implementation in the city considering the alleged inadequate information of the residents on the said matter.
    According to this resolution, the LTFRB-CAR must also consult or coordinate with the local government for any recently issued department orders/issuances/memoranda to be implemented affecting traffic flow, drivers and others in the city.
    The body said motorists must be well informed of guidelines governing charging of booking and other fees by the TNVCs and TNVS to make them fully aware of the fees they are being charged by the regulating agency if these are within the guidelines of the regulatory body. By Dexter A. See