Recto warns of transport crisis if ax falls on Grab, Uber’s colorum cars

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Wednesday urged Malacañang to “step in” on the impending crackdown on Grab and Uber drivers operating without the necessary documents.

Recto warned that the grounding of Grab and Uber cars would compare to a “transport crisis.”

“In a mass transport-starved metropolis of 13 million, these ride-hailing companies provide a crucial service. In terms of carrying capacity, these two exceed MRT’s daily ridership of 500,000,” Recto said in a statement.

Recto said Malacañang should take action “in order to end the inconvenience of the hundreds of thousands who use them.”

Seventy-two percent of the 56,000 Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) will be considered as "colorum" starting July 26, according to the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and will no longer be allowed to ply the streets of Metro Manila.

Only 15,440 vehicles of both Grab and Uber have the necessary documents to continue operating, the agency said.

The LTFRB has previously blamed Uber and Grab for accepting new applications despite a suspension order issued last year.

Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV said he planned to call for a pubic hearing to iron out the issues between LTFRB and TNCs.

“Habang hindi pa naaayos ang mga regulasyon, publiko ang mapeperwisyo. Dapat magkaroon ng kompromiso para sa kapakanan ng ating mananakay,” Aquino said. 

Aquino earlier filed Senate Bill No. 696 or the Rideshare Support Company Act, which aims to promote and encourage new, affordable and safe transportation options for the commuting public, like Uber and Grab.

The measure also seeks to clarify regulations governing TNCs, or Rideshare Support Companies, and Rideshare Network Drivers and Vehicles.

Senators Grace Poe and JV Ejercito, chair and vice-chair of the Senate public services committee, is scheduled to meet with representatives of the LTFRB, Uber, and Grab on Wednesday afternoon to "mediate" on the issue. —NB, GMA News