Abaya to taxi operators: Uber should make you modernize, innovate

MANILA, Philippines – To Philippine taxi companies, going against mobile-based services like Uber is an “unfair” battle.

But the country’s transportation chief said Uber should serve as a wake-up call to them.

“Commuters say they feel safer taking these private vehicles-for-hire, that the fleet are newer, that app services are faster and more efficient,” said Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya in a Wednesday, November 19 statement.

“So why put a stop to what is clearly for their benefit? Poorer services should be upgraded to match their competition – not the other way around,” Abaya added.

Abaya’s advice comes as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) readies guidelines to regulate private vehicles-for-hire such as those in partnership with Uber. (READ: Abaya to Uber, LTFRB: Let’s work together)

Earlier this week, lawmakers chided the LTFRB for allowing Uber to operate despite its vehicles being considered “colorum” or illegal.

Representatives from transportation services that are already regulated by the LTFRB – such as taxis and airport taxis – said they wanted government to “level the playing field” since they have gone through the trouble of complying with strict requirements.

Upgrades needed

Abaya now wants taxi companies to follow the type of services that Uber, GrabTaxi, and EasyTaxi offer.

“People prefer to use these tech-based transport services because they are more convenient. It’s that simple. So my advice to taxi operators: modernize, innovate, and improve your systems and services,” he said.

“Minimum upgrading requirements” that Abaya wants include being able to book via mobile devices, a newer fleet of cars, and “highly-trained drivers whose identities are disclosed to passengers.”

The “requirements” may eventually be part of the department’s “taxi reform program” which is still being crafted. “We are open to inputs from the riding public who are the ultimate beneficiaries of our reform policies,” Abaya said in a text message to Rappler. 

Uber hogged Philippine headlines late October when one of its vehicles was caught in a sting operation led by the LTFRB. Uber officials later agreed to put their vehicles under regulation but government has yet to figure out how they would be regulating vehicles in Uber’s registry and if the LTFRB has jurisdiction over Uber itself.

The LTFRB will hold a public hearing on November 24 to discuss how and if they can regulate services such as Uber and their affiliated vehicles. – Bea Cupin/Rappler.com