Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio A. Abaya has directed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to be more considerate in handling the case of carpooling-services provider Uber, saying his agency is looking at amending transport rules to make traveling around Metro Manila safer and more convenient.
The transport chief said his office has instructed LTFRB Chairman Winston M. Ginez to meet with Uber officials to seek inputs on how to revise transport regulations to “facilitate convenient, safe and reliable services to the public; not hamper them.”
“I have asked the LTFRB to reach out to Uber, and seek ways to modernize our transportation rules. While the LTFRB was only doing its job in implementing the law, we also have a duty to push for modern solutions to archaic problems,” he said.
The Cabinet official said his agency’s role should be “one that is supportive of new approaches to addressing transportation inadequacies.”
“Regulations must keep up with fast-paced technological innovations; and one way to do that is to amend antiquated laws or policies, which may no longer be responsive to today’s needs,” he added.
The transport chief and officials from the regulatory body will meet with Uber executives “soon” in an effort to modernize the government’s regulatory function over vehicles for public use, in such a way that innovative solutions will be allowed to flourish, without sacrificing safety and security oversight functions.
“We welcome the solutions made possible by technology in helping us meet the public’s needs. At the same time, we recognize the LTFRB for sticking to the law and performing its duties without fear or favor. Now government must work together with innovators from the technology industry for the benefit of the people,” Abaya said.
He added that he hopes that these solutions could be integrated with his agency’s taxi-reform program.
The transport chief assured information technology developers that his office will continue to support technology-based solutions for transportation. The agency has active Open Data efforts to release useful transport information to the public primarily through the web-based platforms.
It has also made possible the creation of more than a dozen trip-planning apps through the Philippine Transit App Challenge. Together with the LTFRB, the transport agency continues to push for the use of global positioning system and CCTV units, and other technologies to improve the safety, convenience and reliability of public-utility buses and other public-utility vehicles.
The LTFRB earlier announced that it will go after carpooling services to ensure the legality of their operations. Fines for those apprehended will range from P120,000 to P200,000, depending on the vehicle type.
Ginez said his office is studying the case, noting that vehicles offering taxi services must also secure the approval of his agency before operating, much like taxis and other public utility vehicles. “We must ensure the safety of our commuters,” he said.
Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis M. Tolentino earlier slammed the LTFRB for its seemingly backward-looking action against the app.
“Uber, or hybrid carpooling, is a well-meaning technology-driven effort intended for public safety and convenience, which is why people are patronizing it. We cannot curtail their mobility rights,” he said. “This is similar to private bridal cars and private ambulances for rent, which is a private transaction between the rider and the owner of the vehicle.”