LTFRB confirms inclusion of Grab in motorcycle taxi pilot

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Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III yesterday confirmed the inclusion of Grab Philippines in the motorcycle taxi pilot.

In a statement, Guadiz said the Motorcycle Taxi Technical Working Group (MC Taxi TWG) has issued a letter dated Dec. 20, 2023 to Grab Philippines notifying its inclusion in the motorcycle taxi pilot study.

The TWG will be comprised of representatives from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), LTFRB, Philippine National Police — Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Senate, House of Representatives, commuter welfare groups, road safety advocates, motorcycle manufacturers, motorcycle organizations, and law schools

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Guadiz noted Grab can only commence their MC Taxi service after the MC Taxi TWG grants Grab a license into the pilot.

On Jan. 8, 2024, the MC Taxi TWG conducted a site inspection on Grab Philippines and its MC Taxi Pilot application is awaiting final regulatory approval.

On Grab’s recruitment of drivers for their bike-hailing service, Guadiz said the MC Taxi TWG has no existing guidelines that prohibit the recruitment of drivers in preparation for a potential service launch.

“Concerning the actual activation of any MC Taxi app or service on the Grab app, this agency confirms that Grab is yet to receive full authorization from the MC Taxi TWG,” Guadiz said.

“The LTFRB will continue to work closely with all stakeholders in the industry to maintain fair competition in this fast-growing sector,” he added.

Based on the existing guidelines of the MC Taxi TWG, there are no explicit prohibitions on the recruitment of drivers in preparation for a potential service launch.

“Our confidence stems not from preferential backing but from our steadfast commitment to compliance, safety, and the public good, which we believe aligns with the government’s goals for sustainable and inclusive transportation solutions,” said Ronald Roda, Grab Philippines chief operating officer.

Grab Philippines said its track record of innovation, coupled with its commitment to social progress, strategically positions itself as a strong candidate for any regulatory approval.

“The MC Taxi sector has so much potential for creating jobs and improving transportation, which can be fully realized with the legalization of this sector,” Roda concludes.

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