Uber

Bam: Uber to pay LTFRB fine, compensate drivers for stop in operations

Sen. Bam Aquino reiterated his advice to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to impose a monetary penalty or fine on Uber instead of suspending their operations. 

“Halting operations of Uber will only hurt the drivers and the riding public. A monetary penalty will give us the same result without having to hassle our commuters,” said Sen. Bam after attending the meeting between the LTFRB and Uber in the Senate.  

In the informal meeting, it was also suggested that Uber compensate drivers for the days that they will not be able to use their vehicles.  

 “Hanapbuhay ng mga Pilipino ang pinaguusapan natin rito. Nawawalan sila ng kita para sa kanilang pamilya dahil sa stop order na ito. Natutuwa naman kami na may openness ang Uber dito,” Sen. Bam said, adding that Uber did not challenge this position.  

LTFRB will hold a special hearing on Wednesday to decide on the matter. “If all parties are in agreement, we hope the stop order can be lifted at the soonest possible time,” said Sen. Bam. 

All parties agreed that a new regulatory framework needs to be developed, not just for ridesharing services but also to improve our taxi fleets and their ability to serve the riding public and compensate drivers. 

Sen. Bam is hopeful that LTFRB can propose a new framework and legislation can come in to institutionalize these progressive changes to improve transportation in the country. 

 As early as last year, Sen. Bam filed Senate Bill No. 696 or the Rideshare Support Company, which aims to promote and encourage new, affordable and safe transportation options for the commuting public, like Uber and Grab.

Sen. Bam: LTRFB decision on Uber punishes riding public

Sen. Bam Aquino stressed that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s decision to suspend Uber by one month is like punishing the riding public and the drivers who are earning from its operation.

 “By suspending the operation of Uber, they are penalizing the riders and the drivers,” Sen. Bam said in a radio interview.

 “If they wanted to penalize Uber, the LTFRB could have issued a fine. Instead, they suspend operations leaving the commuters with less options,” added Sen. Bam. “Suspending Uber will hurt the riding public more than the company itself”.

During a previous Senate hearing on the issue of transport network vehicle services (TNVS), Sen. Bam thought the issue was ironed out and a consensus was reached between the LTFRB and transportation network companies (TNC)

“I thought we were all on the same page to put our commuters first and to create a new regulatory framework for TNVS and taxis,” said Sen. Bam.

During the said hearing, Sen. Bam urged the LTFRB to prioritize the safety and commuting experience of the riding public and look out for the welfare of drivers of public utility vehicles.

 Sen. Bam stressed the need to develop a brand-new regulatory framework which govern transportation network companies (TNC), TNVS and even taxis.

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

The measure seeks to clarify regulations governing Transportation Network Companies, or Rideshare Support Companies (RSCs), as well as Rideshare Network Drivers and Vehicles.

 “In any industry, increased competition often leads to improved quality, improved service, and lower prices for consumers. For the commuting public, this is a change they have long clamored for,” said Sen. Bam.

 Once approved, RSCs must obtain certificate of accreditation from LTFRB before getting an authority to onboard qualified Rideshare Network Driver (RND) after a thorough background check and submission of pertinent documents.

Qualified RNDs must also have a minimum P200,000 per passenger personal accident insurance by licensed Philippine insurer.

 

Sen. Bam: Change must come in transport sector

Sen. Bam Aquino urged the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to prioritize the safety and commuting experience of the riding public and look out for the welfare of drivers of public utility vehicles.​

“What we want to achieve is fairness – fairness for Grab and Uber, for taxi operators, for  drivers, and most especially for the riding public,” Sen. Bam said during the hearing of the Committee on Public Services on transport network vehicle services (TNVS) such as Grab and Uber.

According to Sen. Bam there is a need to develop a brand-new regulatory framework which govern transportation network companies (TNC), TNVS and even taxis.

 “May mga grupo na magkaiba yung teknolohiya, magkaiba yung pinanggalingan, pero pareho yung mga serbisyo. So yung isa kong sinisikap mahanap is yung distinction,” said Sen. Bam, who filed Senate Bill No. 696 or the Rideshare Support Company Act.

 “Ang puwedeng maging distinction natin is owner-driven ride sharing versus fleet operators,” Sen. Bam added.

 “Maybe we can have fewer regulations for owner-driven vehicles dahil hindi sila nakakadagdag sa congestion ng kotse at makakabawas pa sa trapiko. Then we can decide on appropriate regulations for fleet operators of Grab, Uber and even taxis,” said Sen. Bam.​

Sen. Bam also encouraged LTFRB to work with taxi operators to help them improve their services, whether it’s by using a phone-based application for pricing versus taxi meters or by rethinking existing regulations.​

 “Instead of weighing down on TNCs and TNVs, maybe we need to work on improving the taxi services in the country,” suggested Sen. Bam.

 

Sen. Bam to call for public hearing on LTFRB-TNVS issue

senator plans to call for a hearing to iron out issues between the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and operators of Transport Network Vehicles (TNVS) for the welfare of thousands of commuters who are relying on the innovative means of transportation.

“Sa away na ito, ang mga nagko-commute at mga driver ang pinakatalo. All parties must sit down and iron this out,” said Sen. Bam Aquino.

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

Sen. Bam said the LTFRB and TNVS must find a way to reach a compromise and determine the best way forward in terms of requirements in getting a franchise.

Sen. Bam also 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 seeks to clarify regulations governing Transportation Network Companies, or Rideshare Support Companies (RSCs), as well as Rideshare Network Drivers and Vehicles.

“In any industry, increased competition often leads to improved quality, improved service, and lower prices for consumers. For the commuting public, this is a change they have long clamored for,” said Sen. Bam.

Once approved, RSCs must obtain certificate of accreditation from LTFRB before getting an authority to onboard qualified Rideshare Network Driver (RND) after a thorough background check and submission of pertinent documents.

Qualified RNDs must also have a minimum P200,000 per passenger personal accident insurance by licensed Philippine insurer.

Sen. Bam: Let’s work with rideshare companies, prioritize commuters

Sen. Bam Aquino called on the government to listen to the commuting public and to develop reasonable standards for online ride-sharing applications that promote easy and safe commuting.

“We need to provide the commuting public with better options and alternatives to improve their daily commuting experience. The government must work with rideshare companies that share this mission and develop suitable standards and requirements for them,” said Sen. Bam.

Last year, Sen. Bam submitted a measure promoting and encouraging new, affordable and safe transportation options for the commuting public, like Uber and Grab.

 “In any industry, increased competition often leads to improved quality, improved service, and lower prices for consumers. For the commuting public, this is a change they have long clamored for,” said Sen. Bam in his Senate Bill No. 696 or the Rideshare Support Company Act.

In a memorandum circular (MC), the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has already recognized these innovations “as a driver for progress” and as one of the solutions to “help address the increasing demand for mobility spurred by rapid urbanization.”

 “I urge the LTFRB to address this issue of penalties for rideshare companies,” said Sen. Bam. “Then we can focus on passing legislation to develop the industry and to ensure these new transport networks are held accountable for offenses.”

 While the MC is significant milestone for the promotion of ride-sharing services in the country, Sen. Bam said legislation is needed to create and institutionalize an appropriate regulatory framework for this new type of service and to distinguish it from public transport services.

 The proposed measure clarifies the regulations governing Transportation Network Companies, or Rideshare Support Companies (RSCs), as well as Rideshare Network Drivers and Vehicles.

Once approved, RSCs must obtain certificate of accreditation from LTFRB before getting an authority to onboard qualified Rideshare Network Driver (RND) after a thorough background check and submission of pertinent documents.

Qualified RNDs must also have a minimum P200,000 per passenger personal accident insurance by licensed Philippine insurer.

Driving Philippine taxis forward

As you read this, there might be yet another story about an altercation between a passenger and a taxi driver.

I find this quite startling because back in the day, when I rode taxis to get to and from meetings, I had great experiences traveling around the Metro and even looked forward to picking up some wisdom from my driver’s many stories.

Reports these days are worrying to the riding public as many have expressed their discontent with their taxi experiences on social media, even filing complaints to the LTFRB.

It seems the relationship between driver and passenger has turned toxic, exacerbating the already infuriating issue of Metro Manila traffic.

Frustrated taxi drivers, scraping for sufficient pay, unload their dissatisfaction on passengers and, in turn, passengers become increasingly suspicious and more likely to shift to ride-sharing – the taxi industry’s new archenemy.

However, all is not lost on this front and there are still stories of pleasant cab experiences circulating on the Web. Stories like that of Mr. Eugenio Estrella, a 63-year-old taxi driver who takes any passenger and even refuses tips, has garnered over 100,000 shares on Facebook.

This is in direct contrast to the stories of drivers berating passengers and is, instead, an example of what a Filipino driver could and should be. Well-mannered cab drivers who value their passengers and play by the rules should be the norm rather than the exception.

But a lot of drivers have long been complaining about insufficient income for the amount of time and energy they spend chauffeuring passengers.

They earn their pay through the boundary system with a ‘boundary’ or set quota paid to the taxi company, which ranges from P1,200 to P1,700 every 24 hours depending on the make of their vehicle. On top of this, they also assume the fuel and other daily expenses.

Taxi drivers have no choice but to work for as many hours as they can in a day to shoulder the boundary and gas expenses while still earning enough to sustain their family.

The boundary system has long ruled the Philippine public transport arena – an area in our development that, we all know, leaves much to be desired. Perhaps it is time to rethink the system and introduce effectual reforms.

Today, there is an undercurrent of Filipinos waiting to see change in the industry and are eager to adopt new technologies and systems, even willing to pay a premium for convenience and security.

To improve the Philippine taxi experience and to ensure the security and convenience the riding public is clamoring for, drivers must be offered a fair shake through a fair process.

Finally, with the advent of ridesharing services, we are seeing novel income arrangements as drivers and car-owners utilize profit-sharing or percentage-of-revenue schemes that are favorable to both parties.

Perhaps this is why we see Filipinos gravitating to ridesharing services like Uber and GrabCar; because they offer an innovative system, security, convenience, and satisfaction to passengers while providing a better option for our drivers.

When we look at the rise of new systems to replace the old, there is a period of resistance wherein proponents of the old system fight any form of change.

But through this tension, we can also hope for a period of realization where there is recognition of the need to rid longstanding structures of the pieces that hold it back from keeping relevant with the times.

Maybe with more equitable sharing systems for drivers, the end benefit will be to the riding public – that they can finally enjoy a safe, reliable, and comfortable commuting experience.

First Published on Manila Bulletin

Bam Seeks to Clarify Gov’t Policy on Uber, GrabCar

A senator seeks to investigate the enforcement of government’s programs and policies on new application-based transportation system in the country, such as Uber and GrabCar.

Sen. Bam Aquino filed Senate Resolution No. 1508 after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ordered the apprehension of unregistered Internet application-based transport systems with a fine of P200,000 and impoundment of three months.

The LTFRB’s move came after Department of Transportation and Communications issued Department Order No. 2015-11, which recognizes and puts in place appropriate regulation for four new modes of public transportations such as airport buses, bus rapid transits (BRTs), transport network vehicle service (TNVS) and premium taxi.

“There is a need to delineate and clarify the various transportation policies pertaining to the different transport administration components such as planning, policy making, data management and enforcement,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

“The main challenge of the different government agencies and offices is to align their rules and regulations, as well as policies, in order to solve the worsening traffic conditions in Metro Manila,” the senator added.

In his resolution, Sen. Bam said this lack of communication between the DOTC and LTFRB underscores a National Center for Transportation Studies report, which shows lack of coordination and overlapping functions among transportation and traffic related units of the national and local government units.

“The Department Order was issued in response to the call of Uber, GrabCar, other similar Internet application-based transportation networks, and the public to recognize this innovative technology and be able to operate legally,” Sen. Bam.

“Let us continue supporting emerging industries and new business models, especially in our public transportation system that will enhance competition and provide better service to our fellow Filipinos,” said Sen. Bam, a staunch supporter of start-ups.

Sen. Bam Lauds Government’s Efforts to Thresh out Uber Issue

Senator Bam Aquino has lauded the joint efforts of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and Uber operators to thresh out regulation issues and work for the welfare of the commuting public.

“As I always say, if we work together, we can do things that will alleviate the plight of the public, especially the commuters,” said Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

Aquino also welcomed the DOTC’s move to reach out to uber operators, saying the government must support innovation and new technology that will beef up its current programs.

“Instead of curtailing them, the government should welcome alternative and new ideas from the private sector as they can help reinforce existing initiative to solve traffic woes,” the senator said.

Earlier, the DOTC, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and uber operators discussed ways to iron out issues regarding existing franchising rules that hamper the latter’s operation.

“We need to support innovative start-up ideas in solving our age-old problems such as the safety and order of our commuting public,” Aquino added.

During the meeting, the LTFRB proposed several moves that will update applicable rules in order to accommodate uber vehicles.

Uber operators, for their part, will work on improving their safety measures, passenger insurance and safety inspection to ensure roadworthiness of their vehicles.

Uber is a high-tech transportation network that makes mobile apps that connect passengers with drivers of private vehicles for hire and car-pooling services. The company arranges pickups wherein cars are reserved by sending a text message or by using a mobile app and within 10 minutes the vehicle would arrive

The uber system helps alleviate the monstrous traffic problems in California, especially through car-pooling.

“The government needs all the help it can get, especially from the private sector, as it continues to find ways to improve the country’s mass transport system and solve the perennial traffic problem,” the senator said.

Sen. Bam to LTFRB: Embrace innovation, support start ups

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) must embrace innovation and provide some leeway to transport start ups, which provide safe and affordable means of transportation to the commuting public.

“The government should encourage innovation, not curtail it. The LTFRB must give these transport start ups some leeway as we review current laws on franchising,” said Senator Bam Aquino, chairman of the Senate committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship

Aquino said the LTFRB can provide these transport start ups, such as Uber, Tripid, GrabTaxi and EasyTaxi, some leeway, the same way it provided provisional authority to cargo trucks and new buses to ply their routes

“The government needs all the help it can get, especially from the private sector, as it continues to find ways to improve the country’s mass transport system and solve the perennial traffic problem,” the senator said.

Aquino describes Uber as an innovation as it provides commuters with a safer mode of transportation and quality service at the same time.

Uber is a high-tech transportation network that makes mobile apps that connect passengers with drivers of private vehicles for hire and car-pooling services. The company arranges pickups wherein cars are reserved by sending a text message or by using a mobile app and within 10 minutes the vehicle would arrive

The uber system helps alleviate the monstrous traffic problems in California, especially through car-pooling.

“The government should not hold back innovations that alleviate the plight of our commuting public,” the senator said.

 A staunch supporter of start up businesses, Aquino has filed a measure granting them tax exemption from operations for two years.

Aquino said Senate Bill 2217, also known as the Start-Up Business Bill, would provide these enterprises the proper time to stand on their own as they try to create a niche in the market.

“The intervention provides the opportunity for these start-ups to get organized, establish their business operations and market base,” said Aquino.

The measure proposes a tax exemption from operations for two years, given that these enterprises are not an affiliate, a subsidiary or a franchise of any existing company.

Also, these start-ups must not have any other existing registered company in case of a sole proprietorship.

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