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LTFRB gets rid of over 5,000 wannabe Uber franchise holders
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday more than 5,000 franchise applications for Uber Systems Inc. for failing to submit the necessary documents.
In an interview with GMA News Online, LTFRB Board Member Ariel Inton said the board dismissed 5,048 applications from Uber out of the 11,727.
The Uber app allows commuters to get a ride using their smartphones. Uber also lets commuters pay with a credit card.
The LTFRB deemed it necessary for Transportation Network Companies (TNC) like Uber, Grab, and UHop to operate under a franchise. The board defined cars operating through TNCs as Transportation Network Vehicle Services (TNVS).
“Itong mga 5,000 na ito nabigyan na ng accreditation ng Uber ‘to. May gadget na sila ng Uber, nasaan sila ngayon? Nasa kalye, they are already taking passengers kahit wala silang authority. So colorum sila na lumalabas,” Inton said.
Car owners must have a certificate of public convenience to operate as a TNVS.
Having a certificate requires certain documents from the applicants who want their cars accredited, incuding proof of citizenship, income tax returns, and location map of the operator's garage.
The LTFRB also requires the drivers to submit their driver’s license, accreditation from the TNC, and police clearances . The board also requires applicants to submit the official receipt and certificate of registration of their cars.
According to LTFRB, Uber pledged to inform its clients about the board's dismissal order and recommend that the applicants be removed from its system.
Uber's role
However, Inton said that Uber must make sure the necessary requirements are met by the car owners.
“Kanina sa hearing sinabi namin, 'How can you monitor now, iisa-isahin niyo? Where is the problem? Bakit itong mga applicants na ‘to hindi makasubmit ng requirements?',” Inton said.
Even with Uber's help, the car owners must be the ones to process their applications and the required documents, the LTFRB official noted.
“Ang akala nila tuloy, okay na application nila. And then bi-biyahe na sila, not knowing na wala pa talaga silang prangkisa,” Inton said.
“Mayroon silang pagkakataon na maging legal ang kanilang operation, pero hindi pa rin sila nakacomply,” he added.
The colorum TNVS will be fined up to P200,000 if caught operating without a franchise.
The hearing for the fare reduction of TNCs has yet to commence with Uber intending to oppose lower rates.
Uhop will is also filing an opposition.
Inton said the board has to review the filings before the actual hearing begins. – VDS, GMA News
