LTFRB to summon Grab over TNVS driver’s vlog on declined bookings

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it will summon Grab Philippines after a vlogger claiming to be one of its Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) partners allegedly said that drivers are allowed to decline passenger bookings through the app.

In a press release dated June 28, the LTFRB reminded ride-hailing drivers that public transport operators are authorized by the government to serve the riding public, not to choose passengers based on driver preference.

LTFRB Chairman Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said refusing to convey passengers is a violation of the conditions under a provisional authority and a Certificate of Public Convenience.

“Ride-hailing services, just like other public utility vehicles, are bound by the rules and regulations that include a provision that refusing to convey passengers is a violation and is punishable,” Mendoza said.

The clarification was made after Mendoza said he received a video from netizens asking whether the claim made by a TNVS driver in a vlog was true.

According to the LTFRB, the vlogger claimed that Grab has been allowing its TNVS partners to decline bookings in its app. The vlogger also allegedly said that drivers may decline a booking if they are not comfortable with the passenger’s destination.

Mendoza rejected the claim, saying the authority to operate TNVS and other public utility vehicles is granted for the benefit of passengers.

“I do not know how and where this TNVS driver got that wrong idea. This is wrong and dangerous since it compromises the rules and regulations that govern TNVS,” Mendoza said.

The LTFRB said it will issue a show cause order to Grab to identify the TNVS vlogger and explain whether the company allows its drivers to decline bookings.

Mendoza also reminded Transport Network Companies to clearly explain regulations to their TNVS partners, particularly the rule against refusing to convey passengers and the obligation to provide safe and convenient public transport service.