TNCs urged to immediately implement fixed pick-up fare scheme

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Transport network companies (TNCs) were urged to speed up the development and implementation of the fixed pickup fare system in their ride-hailing services, a digital advocates group pressed.

“While we recognize that technical adjustments may be necessary, we believe that implementation should not be unnecessarily delayed, particularly at a time when ride-hailing drivers are facing increasing operating costs, including higher fuel prices, whose impact is affecting the general public,” said Digital Pinoys in a statement on Wednesday.

In July, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) revived the fixed pick-up fare for transport network vehicle services (TNVS) to strike a balance between the concerns of TNVS drivers and commuters' complaints over unauthorized and unregulated pick-up charges.

The memorandum prohibits the collection of pick-up fares beyond a five-kilometer radius and directs TNCs to limit their matching radius to five kilometers to minimize passenger waiting times and drivers' operating costs.

The LTFRB earlier summoned 19 ride-hailing services for defying the fare hike implementation.

Moreover, Digital Pinoys noted that when fare structure does not adequately account for the cost of providing a trip, drivers may become less willing to accept certain bookings.

“This can result in increased non-acceptance and cancellation of trips, ultimately affecting commuters who depend on motorcycle taxis for their daily transportation,” the group said.

But Digital Pinoys emphasized that passengers should understand that the fare adjustment is needed by the drivers amid the rising costs of operations.

“When drivers are able to earn reasonably from the trips they accept, they are more likely to remain available on the platform, resulting in better trip acceptance, fewer cancellations, and more applicable transportation for commuters,” said the group.

GMA News Online reached out to TNCs such as Grab and Angkas for their comments.

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—Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News