“It is high time that Transport Network Companies (TNCs) join together and use the technology to promote the safety and welfare of drivers as well as of the passengers,” said Grab Country head Brian Cu.
He said there are cases that need to be managed such as passengers harassing the drivers either verbally or physically, cases of passengers not paying their fares, incidents of damaging and vandalism like vomiting and urinating in the car.
Grab public affairs and government communications manager Fiona Nicolas said Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Martin Delgra responded positively to Cu’s recommendation and said “it’s better if such system can be shared with the government.”
Nicolas said Delgra made the response in a meeting with the Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) stakeholders, Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
The LTFRB called for a meeting with stakeholders on safety and security after the carjacking incident that also took the life of Grab partner-driver Gererdo Maquidato Jr. During the meeting, PNPHPG NCR Regional head Supt. Bernard Perez also called on the TNCS to report to them directly in real time information on incidents of carjacking and robbery.
In the meantime, Delgra called for a technical working group (TWG) to discuss actionable steps and a clear path forward in putting drivers’ safety mechanisms in place.
The TWG will be composed of representatives from both the TNCs and TNVS driver communities.
“We are eager to be part of the Technical Working Group for driver safety,” Cu said, adding that Grab, the country’s leading TNC, “will work with authorities, as always, to prevent such incidents from happening again.”
Cu also assured that Grab will soon come up with a tech solution, for the protection of their partners and passengers.
