MMDA says Uber violating no law, asks LTFRB to go easy on service

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino on Thursday asked authorities to go easy on ride-sharing services after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board starting apprehending Uber vehicles.

 

In a statement posted on Twitter, Tolentino said ride-sharing services actually promote the welfare of commuters.

 

“Uber or hybrid carpooling is a well-meaning technology-driven effort intended for public safety and convenience that's why people are patronizing it. We cannot curtail their mobility rights,” Tolentino said.

 

Tolentino then compared ride-sharing services to private cars for rent that offer different yet similar services.

 

“This is similar to private bridal cars and private ambulances for rent which is a private transaction between the rider and the owner of the vehicle,” Tolentino said.

 

Tolentino added that the ride-sharing services should be given a chance as commuters stood to gain from this system.

“Perhaps there is another way of looking at this system, as no irregularity under the Public Service Law, as amended, is being committed here, and has proven to be beneficial to commuters,” said Tolentino, a lawyer.

 

Tolentino's statement came after the LTFRB announced that it was going after ride-sharing services such as Uber with fines ranging from P120,000 to P200,000 depending on the vehicle type.

 

According to the LTFRB, they are apprehending ride-sharing services not because of their service but due to the fact that they do not operate under franchises the way taxi cabs and other public utility vehicles do.

 

The first apprehension was made on Wednesday after a Fortuner running an Uber service was apprehended in the Metrowalk area in Pasig City. The fine was pegged at P200,000. 

 

Uber is a service that allows commuters to hail a vehicle for their use through their smartphone. Payment can be done through credit card which made it a viable alternative for some commuters. —NB, GMA News