By Alexandria Dennise San Juan
Three new local transport network companies are expected to enter the ride-sharing industry in the country this year.
They are set to be accredited by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to offer more choices to the riding public and compete with Grab.
LTFRB member Atty. Aileen Lizada said that they are just waiting for Lag Go, Owto, and Hype to complete the requirements needed for application before accreditation by the board.
“The soonest possible time, because we want competition here. We will work hard na by the end of second quarter nandyan na sila,” Lizada said.
Tech company Picar, a fourth interested TNC applicant, will meet the board this week.
Once the needed requirements are completed and accredited by the LTFRB as TNCs, they can start their operations in the country.
These new ride-sharing industry players will replace Uber’s operations in the Philippines. Grab recently acquired Uber’s Southeast Asian operations, including the Philippines.
Lizada stressed that it is important to have competition in the ride-sharing industry for better services and a chance for other platforms to offer lower rates.
“We need to have other choices. The riding public should also have the options what platform to use,” Lizada said.
Grab Philippines country head Brian Cu said that the two biggest ride-hailing firm in the country have “come together” to serve the Filipinos better, adding that this was an important milestone in the ridesharing industry.
