Transport advocate criticizes delay in Grab overcharging hearing

MANILA: An advocate for public transportation slammed the delay in the hearing on the alleged overcharging practice of Grab Philippines.

Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection President Atty. Ariel Inton claimed that moving the hearing from December 13 to January 10 will lead to additional people being affected by the alleged overcharging.

Inton said that the decision is immediately needed because lots of complaints are expected this Christmas season.

Grab submitted a request to adjourn the hearing on December 13 because their representatives were allegedly exposed to COVID-19.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued a show cause order to Grab on December 6 in response to reports that it had violated the minimum flag down rate by charging P85 for short trips, or trips under four kilometers.

As of September, the approved base fare for TNVS are P45 for taxis and sedans, P55 for Asian and sport utility vehicles, and P35 for hatchbacks.

According to Inton, the P85 flag down rate is too high. He said that they were issued a show cause order since that was not the one that is indicated in the fare matrix.

Inton claimed that a Grab lawyer explained that the P85 minimum charge was intended to prevent short trips, but Grab Country Head for Mobility EJ dela Vega insisted that they adhere to regulations.

Inton said that only one ride out of 10,000 involves such short trips.

“Hindi consistent iyong presentation nila na isa lang sa bawat sampung libong pasahero, idi-discourage mo. Sa tingin namin, hindi iyon, with all due respect sa mga abogado nila, hindi totoo (Their presentation is not consistent because they are discouraging one out of 10,000 passengers. With all due respect to their lawyers, we think that is not true),” he added.

Additionally, he said that Grab was taking advantage of “surge pricing,” which involves doubling both the per-minute and per-kilometer charges.

He stated that although it is allowed by the LTFRB, there are still limits on when Grab should charge passengers with fare surge.

He claimed that surge pricing is perpetually implemented since there are no guidelines or regulations.

Photo from Grab

Also read: Senator Poe thumbs down ‘unconscionable’ 2% hike in Grab’s commission rate