LTFRB Tells MMDA: Be On the Lookout for Uber Drivers

The Land Transportation and Franchising Board (LTFRB) deputized traffic enforcers from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), giving them the authority to apprehend Uber drivers who continue to operate in the wake of the franchising agency’s suspension order.

During an interview, MMDA operations manager Bong Nebrija mentioned that a number of traffic enforcers are now part of the joint operation between the two agencies, and they are now on the lookout for Uber drivers booking passengers under the ride-sharing app, which received a one-month suspension starting August 14 after its failure to adhere to LTFRB’s directive to cease accepting and activating new drivers into its platform.

Profiling techniques

MMDA’s operations manager admitted it will be difficult for the enforcers to spot offending Uber drivers because they were using private vehicles. However, he mentioned that the agency has come up with certain profiling techniques.

“We have our techniques in profiling vehicles. We have a list of licensed plate numbers under Uber that we counter-check whenever we have our operation,” said Nebrija.

Asked if there have been any drivers caught, Nebrija replied, “So far, we have not apprehended any Uber driver yet.”

The price of violation

Uber drivers caught violating the suspension order will face a fine amounting from P120,000 to P200,000. Add to that, their vehicles will also be impounded for a total of three months. Nebrija advised Uber drivers not to risk the violations.

Uber filed a motion for reconsideration following LTFRB’s suspension order. However, the government agency denied the motion.

The ride-sharing app managed to resume its operations noontime of August 15 after filing their motion for reconsideration, asking the LTFRB to reconsider its month-long suspension order. However, the transport network company was again compelled to cease its operations around 6 PM that same day, after LTFRB denied its motion with a three-page decision.

Senator Grace Poe held a private meeting with the heads of both the franchising agency and transport service network on August 16, but the details of the meeting were not disclosed.