Utter mayhem on the streets

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is at odds with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) over the latter’s support for so-called ride-sharing services like that of Uber and Grab Taxi.

LTFRB’s beef is that MMDA seems to have forgotten that, among government agencies, the lone authority when it comes to issuing franchises for public utility vehicles (PUVs) like buses, jeepneys and taxis rests with LTFRB. 

So no matter how MMDA spins Uber’s and Grab Taxi’s operations that they are akin to carpooling, the reality is that they are operating for profit and are thus PUVs – PUVs that do not have the necessary licenses, insurance coverage and drug tests for their drivers.

The issue is not about giving people the choice to take a regular taxi or to use their smartphones to call Uber or Grab Taxi. The issue is simply following the law and rules and regulation on the operation of PUVs.

No veneer of legality from the MMDA can change the fact that without the requisite permits and licenses and insurance coverage, the patrons of Uber and Grab Taxi would be without medical coverage in the event of an accident.

As it is, PUVs with the proper franchises are already running amuck on our streets: we have killer buses  on the loose,  taxis with holdupper drivers and jeepneys that weave in and out of lanes in utter disregard of everyone’s safety.

The last thing we need is another set of PUVs masquerading as private ride-sharing scheme. While they offer a legitimate service, Uber and Grab Taxi should get themselves licensed and compete with the PUVs on equal terms. -end-

Image by untv