DAVAO CITY ? Ride-hailing firm Grab Philippines has revealed that is mulling on expanding its operations in Davao City from GrabTaxi to GrabCar.
Leo Gonzalez, head of public affairs at Grab, said the company is testing the market in Davao City if locals are willing to pay higher fares to ride private cars rather than taxis.
Gonzalez the company has already conveyed its intention with the Land Transportation and Franchising Board (LTFRB) to operate in the city.
Grab has been operating in Davao City since 2014 when it partnered with taxi operators and drivers in Davao for GrabTaxi.
Jose Thor Villarreiz, Grab Davao manager, said there are now 1,300 GrabTaxi drivers using the platform with average of 500 active drivers per day. When Grab started in Davao City, there were about 2,600 because of the high incentives offered then.
Meanwhile, the ride-hailing firm said it has already accepted 100 drivers from Uber as of Friday, Aug. 18, after the LTFRB allowed the transfer of transport network vehicle services (TNVS) units to Grab and U-Hop.
Grab Philippines country head Brian Cu is not sure, however, how many of these unit will be joining Grab. Cu, who was here for the 32nd Kadayawan sa Dabaw, said Grab will just submit a list to LTFRB daily until his company is advised to stop the registration.
On Thursday, LTFRB released Board Resolution No. 19 stating Uber units will be allowed to transfer to Grab and UHop to ease the burden of commuters.
Under the resolution, the TNVS units should only show their proof of accreditation by Uber and insurance coverage. Grab and UHop are required to submit to the LTFRB a list of transferees on a daily basis.
Cu said, ?We will accommodate the members of the TNVS community who want to join Grab?s platform so long as they abide by the requirements clearly stated in the order and the company?s policies.?
To maintain quality of service, Cu said drivers will undergo training and have their background checked. ?We?re focused on serving drivers and consumers, and ensuring that the car- and taxi-hailing transport continues to run as smoothly as possible,? he said.
He added that aside from the fare cap which Grab put in place to ensure consumers continue to pay a reasonable fare, Cu said Grab will also ensure that the on-boarding process for drivers will be smooth. — Lilian Mellejor, PNA
