Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has ordered the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to strictly penalize taxi and Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers who unjustifiably cancel booked trips, especially during the critical holiday season. This directive follows a mandate from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to actively monitor and address unacceptable practices that inconvenience the commuting public.
Secretary Lopez emphasized that drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) are held to a higher standard of accountability and service, stressing that their jobs are “imbued with public interest.”
“What I always say is, when you enter this kind of job, this is imbued with public interest. That means, we are not only asking you for a higher level of care, which we call extraordinary diligence. But, we are also asking for a higher level of obligation and responsibility,” Secretary Lopez stated.
The transport chief has mandated that both taxi drivers and Transport Network Companies (TNCs) operating TNVS units will face sanctions from the LTFRB for cancelling accepted bookings. Common reasons cited for cancellation, such as heavy traffic or long distance, are deemed unacceptable.
Key Measures:
LTFRB Memorandum Circular: A new circular will be issued by the LTFRB to officially include TNVS operators and drivers under the cancellation ban and corresponding penalties.
Accountability: TNC operators will be required to submit to the LTFRB the list of drivers who frequently cancel bookings.
Public Reporting: The LTFRB will establish a dedicated hotline for the public to report erring and abusive drivers, including those who cancel trips.
“It’s difficult because they accept bookings, and then they just cancel them. Pity the passengers,” the Secretary remarked, stressing the need for reliability in public transportation.
In a separate but related move to enhance passenger welfare during the holidays, Secretary Lopez has instructed LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II to conduct a thorough study on the legal basis and immediate impact of surge pricing for TNVS trips.
The DOTr is exploring options to either cancel surge pricing entirely or defer its implementation during the upcoming holiday rush.
A public consultation with various TNVS companies is scheduled for December 10 to tackle these issues.
“We need to start this December. But I just have to strike a balance right now of either canceling it totally or deferring it,” Secretary Lopez said. He emphasized that the decision must be made after careful study and dialogue to ensure that while protecting the riders from exorbitant fares, the welfare of the drivers is also considered.
The DOTr reaffirms its commitment to ensuring safe, reliable, and convenient transportation services for all commuters throughout the holiday season.
