Ride-hailing giant Grab Philippines said it will push through with the deactivation of at least 8,000 “colorum” transport network vehicle service (TNVS) providers beginning Monday but urged those who will be removed from the platform to reapply as new slots will be opened.
“Deactivation will proceed as scheduled on Monday, June 10. LTFRB’s (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) directive to deactivate colorum TNVS is clear and Grab has to strictly abide by it,” Grab Philippines public affairs manager, lawyer Nicka Hosaka said.
Last week, the ride-sharing firm announced its plan to deactivate some 8,000 unaccredited TNVS partners who failed to submit a proof of provisional authority from the LTFRB.
According to Hosaka, Grab is also urging affected drivers to reapply as the transport regulatory body opened 10,000 new slots for TNVS also on Monday, June 10.
Grab assured that they will be assisting affected drivers or new ones in their TNVS applications to the LTFRB through a five-day TNVS assistance program in Matrix Creation Events venue at 11 Malakas Street, Diliman, Quezon City, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 10 to 13, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 14.
“Grab is also open to assist them if they want to explore other options in the platform,” Hosaka added.
The transport network company (TNC) is set to face the LTFRB on June 11 to explain the status of its deactivation followed by the show cause order issued against them by transport regulators.
The LTFRB also summoned Grab to address complaints on its alleged failure to implement the 20-percent fare discount for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
In a recent interview, LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra III questioned why Grab is removing unaccredited drivers only now, a move which he said should have been done months ago as ordered in their previous meetings.
Grab has yet to issue a statement about the matter pending the scheduled hearing on the issue on Tuesday.
The TNC admitted that the removal of the 8,000 active TNVS partners, which equates to at least 100,000 rides a day, would cause inconvenience among passengers with the expected longer booking time and frequent surcharges. (Alexandria San Juan)
