Commuting is part of our everyday life — when we go to work, when we go home, when we do our errands. It is a fact that there is a need for improvement in our public transportation. If we will compare and rate how modern and efficient the public transportation systems are in other Asian countries, I think we are the least.
One major problem is that some government agencies refuse to change or improve their mechanism; the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in particular. It is now blind and deaf to our appeal regarding the suspension of Uber and Grab. It favors the taxis, jeepneys, and buses which give poor service.
The silly and indecisive decision of the LTFRB has caused anger and disappointment from the public because it is an arrogant response from this government agency disregarding our appeal and testimonies.
I cannot count with my fingers how many times I was refused by taxi drivers and experienced a rude attitude. Riding cabs and jeepneys is a pain and causes paranoia and anxiety in me and my parents.
Once, a taxi driver dropped us in the middle of the street while it was raining and the street was flooded and it was past midnight. That was the worst experience I ever had; I promised not to ride a taxi anymore.
So it was a blessing when Uber and Grab came on the scene. It is a relief not only to me but I believe other commuters from different walks of life.
These transportation network companies (TNCs) provide fast, safe and convenient service, and trustworthy and well-mannered drivers.
The LTFRB should first address the longstanding complaints of the riding public against abusive and unsafe taxis, jeepeneys and buses before they pick on Uber and Grab.
Commuters have found that Uber and Grab provide a service that is superior to that provided by traditional public transportation; it is therefore a sad and illogical move on the part of the LTFRB to clamp down hard on said service while turning a blind eye to the complaints of the public.
Don’t let the commuters go back to the situation before. People deserve good quality service that is worth our money and our taxes. The LTFRB should embody the current administration’s platform that change is coming and change has come. What is the sense of this agency if it will not consider the public’s voice and opinion?
I think LTFRB personnel should try not to use their private vehicles and instead use the public transportation and experience the reality. Maybe this will enlighten them.
JEMIMAH O. KINTANAR,
jemskintanar08@yahoo.com