Grab pushes for common database of blacklisted passengers

“It is high time that TNCs join together and use the technology to promote the safety and welfare of drivers as well as of the passengers,” Grab Country Head Brian Cu said during a meeting Monday. (Photo: Brian Cu/Facebook)

MANILA — Grab Philippines is urging other transportation network companies (TNCs) to provide a common database of blacklisted passengers to ensure safety of both drivers and passengers.

Ridesharing firms should use modern technology to ensure public welfare and safety amid cases of physical or verbal harassment of drivers by passengers, passengers not paying fares and incidents of damaging property of driver partners.

“It is high time that TNCs join together and use the technology to promote the safety and welfare of drivers as well as of the passengers,” Grab Country Head Brian Cu said during a meeting Monday.

The meeting was held and attended by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Philippine National Police -Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and transport network vehicle services (TNVS) shareholders following the carjacking incident that took the life of Grab driver-partner Gerardo Maquidato Jr.

LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III expressed his support to Grab’s proposal and suggested that the database be shared with the government.

PNP-HPG NCR Regional Head Police Supt. Bernard Perez also urged TNCs to report to them real time information on carjacking and robbery incidents.

The LTFRB is eyeing to create a Technical Working Group consisting of TNC and TNVS representatives that will craft and implement measures to ensure the security of drivers.

“We are eager to be part of the Technical Working Group for driver safety,” Cu said.

Grab is currently developing a digital solution and vows to cooperate with the PNP-HPG to deter carjacking incidents involving their TNVS which are being booked by criminals posing as legitimate passengers.