MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Grace Poe yesterday criticized ride-hailing firms over the implementation of a priority booking fee feature on their platforms.
Poe said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) should not allow transport network vehicle service (TNVS) to impose excessive fares on commuters.
She said TNVS drivers should not charge passengers additional fare in the form of “incentive.”
“Passengers deserve equal access to public transportation without discrimination,” Poe said. “Many commuters shell out additional money to avail themselves of ride-hailing services to lessen the agony of their daily commute.”
Last week, the LTFRB warned transport network companies against collecting charges above the approved fare structure for TNVS.
The transport regulatory body issued the warning after a complaint was filed against JoyRide for charging commuters a priority booking fee of as much as P1,000 for a one-way ride.
JoyRide users have been given the option to pay extra fares so that their bookings would be prioritized, which lead drivers to choose bookings with priority fees.
The LTFRB said it did not approve such a fee.