Instead of resolving the issue, the new order of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) may just exacerbate concerns on public transportation, Sen. JV Ejercito said.
Ejercito is referring to the state transportation regulatory board’s directive to allow Uber drivers to transfer to Grab and U-Hop while the ride-sharing firm remains suspended.
“It raised more questions than answers,” Ejercito said.
“I have said before that it is proper for Uber to be penalized for defying LTFRB regulations. But here the penalty imposed by LTFRB has inconvenienced the public and has had a negative impact on Uber drivers’ livelihood,” he noted.
“With this new order, isn’t the agency essentially attempting to mitigate the problems caused by the very order they issued?” he asked.
The senator pointed out that while Uber indeed violated regulations, they should be penalized despite their apology.
But the LTFRB should take the commuting public’s welfare into consideration.
“Yes, Uber violated regulations. They have apologized. They should be punished. But the punishment should take into consideration the larger interest of the public,” the senator stressed.
“Is the LTFRB too proud to shorten the suspension period or accede to Uber’s request to just pay a fine in lieu of suspension? Don’t these alternatives drive home the point that no one can get away with violating our rules but at the same time avoiding exacerbating the suffering of Filipino commuters?” he asked.
Source: http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/08/18/ltfrbs-new-order-may-just-exacerbate-concerns-on-public-transport-says-ejercito/
