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Grab: P2-per minute charge is not hidden but part of overall fare system
The P2-per minute charge is not a hidden charge and is part of the fare system, not something that is on top of the upfront fares of Transport Network Company (TNC) Grab Philippines, its spokesperson said on Wednesday.
The company issued a statement in response to issues raised by PBA party-list Rep. Jericho Nograles.
“Department Order 2015-011 allowed TNCs to set its own fares with the oversight of the LTFRB. In June 2017, Grab, upon review of its pricing structure, initiated per minute pricing of 2 pesos. This was integrated to the existing per km charges and is not added to the upfront fares,” the company said.
“We would like to assure the public that Grab has always been forthcoming and transparent with regard to its fares,” Grab Public Affairs head Leo Gonzales said in the same statement.
The company “implemented per minute charges to ensure that despite serious congestion issues on the road on a daily basis, hard-working TNVS drivers would have a greater chance of making ends meet and supporting their needs.”
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Nograles has accused Grab of overcharging its riders and urged the company to refund up to P1.8 billion in overcharged fares.
“Per minute charges remain part and parcel to Grab’s fare structure today and we have continuously been transparent about this truth. In fact, during times when questions were raised about fares in certain trips, we would always back-compute and provide the basic formula for the same, including the per minute charges,” Gonzales noted.
Nograles claimed that Grab must be fined for such violations that include not issuing a detailed official receipt.
Grab made it clear it has informed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) of the changes and presented to the board its business model, supply and demand models, and pricing structure.
“At the end of the day, Grab seeks to always ensure a balance in fare to benefit both our passengers and drivers. We owe it to the riding public to remain truthful and transparent,” Grab said. —Anna Felicia Bajo/VDS, GMA News