It looks like Uber and Grab’s local woes are far from over. In addition to the P5 million fine that the LTFRB imposed on the ride-hailing services, which both of them will fully comply with, the government agency plans to shut down unlicensed Uber and Grab cars. In a memo released last July 11, 2017, the LTFRB said that “both Transport Network Companies are directed to cease with dispatch the operations of all their TNVS (Transport Network Vehicle Services) which do not have the required Certificates of Public Convenience.” That sounds perfectly reasonable until you realize that only a small fraction of drivers out there have this certificate. The reason is that the LTFRB stopped accepting applications roughly a year ago so that Uber and Grab cars could be regulated, and for the policies to be studied. Since then no proposals to move forward have been released. Regulation is done in the interest of public safety, so that Uber and Grab vehicles would be as ‘safe’ as other public modes of transport with existing franchises: taxis, buses, and jeepneys--these are all legal and supposedly regulated. But because there is no framework in place for TNVS, many Grab and Uber vehicles are not, so on July 26, 15 days after the July 11 order, the LTFRB will order majority of them to be deactivated. It is estimated that 90% of ride-hailing vehicles out there don’t have the necessary certificates because the LTFRB stopped issuing them a year ago, so riders will now all scramble for the 10% left. We understand the need for regulation and proper procedure, and no one should be above the law. But Uber and Grab have always expressed their desire to follow whatever rules are required for them to operate. And in the years since these ride-hailing companies have set up operations here, they've amassed a loyal and massive following from commuters tired of the status quo. Let the public choose which mode of transport they want. What do you think of this development? Sound off in the comments below. Article by Top Gear Philippines
This is why it's important to make things clear prior to posting on social media, and why it's vital you actually read a post before commenting. Yesterday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that it has finally addressed the agency's three million driver's license card backlog for applications with three-year validity. According to the post, distribution of the said cards began in December last year, and was finally completed in February 2017. What's more, the DOTr has also announced it will begin distributing license cards with five years of validity this August. Good news, right? Yes. But here's the thing: As you know, Philippine driver's licenses are now available in with up to five years of validity. The backlog being referred to is only licenses valid for three years. Unfortunately, the post was accompanied by an infographic/image which fails to mention any details regarding which of the two backlogs was fully addressed. "Before June 2016: 3-million backlog on license cards. Now June 2017: No more backlog," and that's basically all the image reads. As expected, angry motorists began commenting. "Not true! My friend renewed her license in Aug 2016 and mine in Feb 2017 but until now both our cards are not yet available," one netizen posted. "Not true. I still don't have mine. LTO Gapan Nueva Ecija doesn't even know when it will arrive. Five years na daw yung bago ko. Sana hindi rin after five years bago ko sya makuha," said another. It goes on and on. Not surprisingly, the DOTr's social media manager had his hands full. The agency eventually posted a clarification in the comments section, though the image still remains attached to the post. So guys, please do read an entire post and not just the image. In many cases, it can save you a ton of trouble. Anyway, if you've yet to receive your three-year valid driver's license, you best get in touch with the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Article by Top Gear Philippines
Are you willing to give up using your vehicle for two days a week? If the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority's (MMDA) plan to implement a two-day coding scheme pushes through, you might just have to. According to a report by Inquirer.net, MMDA chairman Danilo Lim has proposed that a two-day coding scheme replace the current one to help lessen the volume of vehicles congesting Manila's streets. "Pinag-iisipan natin with the support of the Metro Manila Council, mga mayors natin, kung pwedeng i-modify pa 'yung number coding scheme," Lim says. "Siguro pwede naman kaunting sakripisyo pa para sa lahat. Baka pwede gawing two days every week ang hindi paggamit ng sasakyan." Lim cites the sheer volume of cars, shoddy road conditions, lack of discipline, and not enough personnel and support as major contributing factors to the capital's terrible traffic situation. "Sobrang dami talaga ng sasakyan dito sa Metro Manila. We have more than 30% of vehicles nagsasama dito sa less than 5% (of roads). So volume problema, kailangan talaga bawasan." "Sa MMDA, kulang talaga 'yung tao namin. Kulang na nga, 'yung suporta pa eh, underpaid. Marami tayong traffic enforcers na P6,000 lang isang buwan, mababa na nga nade-delay pa," Lim added, saying that there is a delay in salaries by the Department of Budget and Management. "These are some of the things na nakaka-aggravate sa ating sitwasyon sa traffic at aksidente." Does a two-day number coding scheme sound reasonable to you? Or should government agencies come up with a different solution to address the increasing volume of vehicles in Manila? Let us know in the comments; we wouldn't be surprised if the authorities are reading them. Article by TopGear Philippines
Unless you've been living under a rock, then you will have heard all about the Anti-Distracted Driving Act (ADDA) and how much confusion and anger it has caused among motorists. Since it was enforced last week, the Internet has been flooded with comments, suggestions, rants, and even lots of hilarious memes. Even senators made their feelings about the new law known.
According to a report by Rappler, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has suspended the implementation of the law. This announcement came after the House transportation panel pointed that they should not be enforcing the law before conducting a nationwide information campaign. As stated in Republic Act No. 10913: "The DOTC-LTO in coordination with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and private agencies and organizations shall undertake a nationwide information, education and communication (IEC) campaign for a period of six (6) months from the effectivity of this act." Transport officials admitted that they hadn't yet conducted a campaign of that nature. Committee chairperson and Catanduanes representative Cesar Sarmiento commented: "It's very clear that [the law] requires [an] information and education campaign for a period of six months from the effectivity of the act. Since the implementing agencies failed to do that, I think it would be unfair for the public na mahuli nang 'di nila naiintindihan ['yong batas]." "We will abide with the authors of the law, and the COTr (committee on transportation), DOTr will focus more on info dissemination and will hold the enforcement of ADDA," said Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board board member Aileen Lizada. In an official statement, DOTr said: "To respond to the call of both Houses of Congress to defer the implementation of ADDA, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) take heed to the Congress, being the authors of the law, to defer the enforcement of Republic Act 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act (ADDA). "Relative thereto, the DOTr shall immediately revive its Technical Working Group to conduct a review of the IRR in coordination with concerned stakeholders. "An Information and Education Campaign (IEC) shall commence as soon as the new IRR is crafted. "In the meantime, we invite the public to continue the constructive discussion on this new law so as to contribute on how we could all better promote road safety, discipline, and responsible driving." |
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