Grab Philippines said Tuesday it would apply for an exemption from the number coding scheme to serve more commuters amid the limited modes of public transportation during the general community quarantine (GCQ).
Grab Philippines manager Brian Cu said the company would meet with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to discuss concerns related to the number coding scheme.
“That’s something that we will do with the MMDA and to work with them to ensure that we meet the safety regulations they want to put in place but also balance it out with the ability to move people around in this difficult time,” he said in an interview aired on ANC.
Celine Pialogo, the MMDA spokesperson, said the number coding scheme would remain suspended until June 5.
Cu said the number coding would have an impact on the supply of Grab cars.
“It will affect the drivers and the supply side, given the lack of supply we might face. Most importantly, it will affect drivers’ income,” he said.
Grab cars resumed operation on Monday, June 1, as Metro Manila shifts to GCQ. With the lifting of the number coding, Grab drivers could go on trips every day.
But if the government would bring the number coding back, drivers would lose around 20% of weekly earnings, Cu added.
Also read: Grab Philippines proposes P5′ disinfection fee’ to LTFRB
Grab fare price unchanged amid GCQ
Grab also said they did not impose any increase in its fare prices, and surges have been capped at 1.5x during GCQ.
“What we’ve done is we’ve intentionally depressed surge whereas before the surge cap was 2x the fare, we (have decreased this) to 1.5x,” he said in an interview on ANC.
“We did not change the rates, we’re still adhering to the LTFRB fare matrix, and we’ve, in fact lowered surge from 2x to 1.5x,” said Cu.
Cu noted that the number of bookings decreased since it resumed its operations.
“Passengers will have to face a bit of difficulty in the coming days for transport, but I do think that by Thursday or Friday, things should normalize and booking should be able to come back to normal,” he said.