MANILA, Philippines – There will be fewer Grab cars on the streets by June 10, as the ride-hailing company will deactivate at least 8,000 transport network vehicle services (TNVS) partners.

This figure is nearly one-fifth of around 45,000 active Grab drivers, which means Filipinos can expect longer waiting time for bookings and price surges due to limited supply.

Grab said on Monday, June 3, that it will be deactivating TNVS partners who have not yet submitted any proof that they were granted provisional authority by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The company said it acted in good faith that TNVS partners would comply with the requirements set by the LTFRB.

“This will reduce the number of vehicles servicing our commuting public, thus inconveniencing many Filipinos,” Grab Philippines president Brian Cu admitted.

Cu hopes the inconvenience will be temporary, as Grab anticipates new drivers by June 10, where some 10,000 slots for application will be opened.

On top of that figure, the LTFRB in December opened 20,000 slots.

Cu said the deactivated drivers can still apply for a slot.

“At the end of the day, many Filipinos will suffer from this painful step – both the drivers and the passengers. We would want to avoid this from happening, but we are bound to comply with our regulator,” Cu said. – Rappler.com