LTFRB to resume crackdown on 'colorum' Uber, GrabTaxi cars

The government is apprehending unregistered partner cars of mobile application-based booking service providers like Uber and GrabCar starting August 21.

 

Private vehicles partnering with ride-sharing service providers must secure a franchise under the transportation network vehicle service (TNV) category, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) spokesperson Mary Ann Salada told GMA News Online on Wednesday.

 

Under a joint administrative order of the franchising board and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in 2014, private cars operating as public utility vehicles will be impounded for three months and fined up P200,000 for vans and P120,000 for sedans.

 

The LTFRB started apprehending unregistered Uber and GrabCar vehicles as early as October 2014 after ruling that such service must be covered by a franchise. But the agency later suspended the clampdown following a public outcry.

 

In May, the Department of Transportation and Communication and LTFRB introduced new transportation franchise categories including the TVNS. The other categories cover airport buses, premium taxis and bus rapid transit. 

 

The government will allow Uber, GrabCar and other ride-sharing service providers to register their partner cars under the TVNS category beyond August 20, Salada noted. 

 

"Pagdating ng August 21, ang dapat makita ay may franchise na iyong mga sasakyang accredited ng GrabCar o Uber. Sa plate number pa lang makikita na namin kung hindi registered ang sasakyan," she added. – VS, GMA News