PRESS RELEASE: MMDA Urges LTFRB to Spare Uber Commuters. #mmda pic.twitter.com/r47CggDrw6
— Official MMDA (@MMDA) October 23, 2014
This is a press release from the MMDA:
PRESS RELEASE: MMDA Urges LTFRB to Spare Uber Commuters
The text reads:
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) today advised the Land Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to find ways to reasonably assist transport services like local Uber instead of suspending its operations and impounding them as colorum vehicles citing that such private initiative will help ease traffic in Metro Manila pending the availability of a modern mass transport system, among other things.
MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino gave the advice following reports that the LTFRB, acting on the complaint of the Philippine National Taxi Operators Association that the growing popularity of Uber has disabled them and has adversely affected commuters and is reportedly set to imporse sanctions on Uber’s operations.
“The muscle of the law and the procedural and technical arms of government agencies alone cannot resolve the lack of alternate means of transportation problem, they can only increase apprehension records, Uber or hybrid carpooling is a well-meaning technology-driven effort intended for public safety and convenience that’s why people are patronizing it. We cannot curtial their mobility rights. 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,” Tolentino said.
In a similar vein, the MMDA chief explained that in as much as the government would not allow the taxicab industry to fail, it should not also curtail Uber’s options because of the wide range of opportunities and customer’s choice it provides, like convenience, comfort and riding safety, as Uber provides top of the line SUVs and limousines.
Uber is a techie transportation network that makes mobile apps that connect passengers with drivers of private vehicles for hire and ride sharing services. The company arranges pickups wherein cars are reserved by sending a text message or by using a mobile app and within ten minutes the vehicle would arrive, providing relief to Metro Manilans, similar to a system in California.
In Metro Manila, Uber’s service is available at the Makati and Ortigas corridors thereby helping our ailing public transport system especially this coming Yuletide season.
Uber’s service car models include Fortuner, Montero, Camry, and Hummers which passengers say are far more better and safer than dilapidated taxicabs plying around town with some having tampered meters, some of whome ven ignoring taxicab commuter pleas for a ride.
“Perhaps there is another way of looking at this sytem, as no irregularity under Public Serice Law, as amended, is being committed here, and has proven to be beneficial to commuters.
