ASIDE from Grab, only three other ride-hailing service apps are accredited by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board 7 (LTRFB) 7 which are operating in Cebu City.

These are MiCab, Hirna and Hype which have a total of 1,150 units. MiCab has 800 four-wheel units, Hirna deploys 300 while Hype has 50. Grab’s units total 1,150. Maxim, a new ride-hailing app, was considered colorum by the LTFRB 7.

According to LTFRB 7 Director Eduardo Montealto Jr., Maxim and Indriver are non-accredited since the two don’t have a license to operate.

In a statement, Maxim explained that they are only testing the software and preparing to start operating in Cebu. They said they are also in the process of obtaining the necessary documents.

According to Maria Pukhova, public relations specialist of Maxim, they are in the process of registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission. After the registration, they will submit the documents to the LTFRB so they can obtain the accreditation.

“In order not to lose this time and to prepare for a full launch, Maxim is testing the application and checking rate settings. In this way we will be able to optimally set up the service so that passengers and drivers can use it by the start of the company’s operations.” she stated.

Pukhova clarified in the countries where they operate, Maxim complies with the law, pays taxes and does its best to provide affordable trips and income opportunities for people.

Maxim is an international ride-hailing service that operates in 14 countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia.

Montealto, however, said Maxim is prohibited to do a test drive without a license to operate.

“Dili gyud ka dapat ma-public utility vehicle kung kuwang pa ka. Daghan man ka’g agian ana, Ang ilang mga drivers mo-undergo pa ug training nya kinahanglan sad naa silay passenger insurance. So kanang testing-testing diha, bawal gihapon na (You should not be considered a public utility vehicle if you lack the requirements to operate. You need to go through a process. Drivers have to undergo training; they have to get passenger insurance. Test-runs are also not allowed),” he said.

Montealto said there is a possibility that Maxim would be blacklisted with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) as it has been operating without a license. But this will depend on how Maxim can convince the DOTr to allow them to operate legally, he added. (JCT)