The Coalition for Filipino Commuters has asked the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to investigate a motorcycle taxi firm for allegedly requiring its customers tips before booking a ride.
Coalition for Filipino Commuters convenor Ira Panganiban said in a letter to LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz “several complaints have been received by the coalition that Joyride, a Transport Network Company, has the tip requirement shown before a commuter can book a ride.”
“This system forces a customer to provide a tip to a rider even before they can appreciate the kind of service the rider gives,” he said.
Panganiban said requiring tips before booking creates a bidding atmosphere among riders. They will always choose the highest tipper making this a premium charge instead.
“We are calling in the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board to put a stop to this practice as it is not fair to commuters,” he said.
“There have been prior rules against this and the rules should be upheld for the benefit of the poor Filipino commuters,” Panganiban said.
Representatives of Joyride were unavailable for comments as of press time.
LTFRB earlier warned motorcycle taxis of allegedly overcharging fares of commuters.
“We do not and we will not tolerate any violation such as overcharging of fares within the public transportation system. The fare matrix was crafted to ensure that the fares charged by all public transport operators from commuters regardless of vehicle type are fair and equitable,” Guadiz said, who also heads the Motorcycle Taxi – Technical Working Group.