Grab Seeks Gov't Support on Pilot-Testing Hatchbacks

Saying that it could ease the issue of hailing vehicles in their app, Grab Philippines is asking for government support to allow the pilot testing of hatchbacks as transport network vehicle service (TNVS) units.

Grab Philippines chief Brian Cu is asking the Department of Transportation (DoTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to allow hatchback vehicles as TNVS units as a number of vehicle owners expressed their willingness to join the transport network company.

"Right now, we have thousands of hatchback owners who are willing and able, to be part of the transport solution for the Filipino commuters, and I hope for the DOTr and the LTFRB to openly consider a pilot testing for them and observe within a specific time period how this best serve the interest of the commuting public, the TNVS owners, and how this largely eases the supply pain points of both the DOTr and the LTFRB," he explained.

"If the DOTr and LTFRB through our good (DOTr) Secretary (Arthur) Tugade allowed a motorcycle taxi pilot, we hope they would also consider a similar pilot for hatchbacks, which have all passed manufacturer's international safety standards. This would also help us create a lower-priced category for these hatchbacks which can help address concerns of a segment of the riding public," Cu added.

The Grab Philippines president claimed that while they follow rules--to the extent of deactivating 5,000 (3,000 of the reported 8,000 complied before getting deactivated)--the Filipino people need a transport solution that is reliable, safe, and efficient.

"As we abide by the rules of our regulators to get rid of cars without proper documentations, we must also need to look at how we can all best serve them," Cu explained. "We need solutions that work for every Filipino, and we hope that both the DOTr and the LTFRB sees the value that these hatchback owners bring to many underserved Filipino commuters."