Grab’s current fares unlikely to increase until March

FILE: Lizada said that LTFRB will have consult to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for a “justifiable” fare hike. (PNA Photo)

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday clarified that there will be no hikes in current fares of the ride-sharing company, Grab Philippines, even if the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) has already been passed.

LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada said that the filed petition by Grab Philippine is still improbable this month as it shall first undergo a process. However, Lizada assured that the earliest decision would be in March.

“Mukhang hindi ‘yan makukuha ngayong month na ‘to kasi we have to clear, we have to set it for reading [It seems like we will not be able to grant it this month, we have to clear first, we have to set it for reading],”  Lizada told reporters in an ambush interview in Makati City.

Grab Philippines has earlier asked the LTFRB for 5% fare rates increase due to price hikes on petroleum products as gasoline will be subjected to a higher excise tax of P7 per liter.

Lizada said that LTFRB will have to consult with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for a “justifiable” fare hike.

“We would like to seek the assistance of NEDA in all of these. Ano ba ang epekto ng [what is really the effect of the] excise tax on fuel the with the corresponding ng pag-increase ng [of increase of] take-home pay,” she said.

“On our end, we would like to invite NEDA kasi sinasabi nila tataas ’yung take-home pay natin pero may mga taxes naman sa fuel [because they are saying our take home pay will increase but there are taxes on fuel]. So, what is the balance here now?” Lizada noted.

“We will do our best to find out that balance para ho meron tayong acceptable [so that we would have acceptable] formula. We need to be responsible as well,” she added.

Lizada added that together with the granting of fare hikes, the public transport services should also level-up.

“[There should be] leveling up on the part of the TNVS that’s why we say that there shouldn’t be ‘snobs’ when they’re online for work. This is a gentle reminder as part of their responsibilities as a franchise holder,” she said.