LTFRB approves P2-per-minute TNVS charge

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has approved a P2/minute charge for Transportation Network Vehicle Services and has required them to show a breakdown of charges.

The board said that it had reviewed the current fare structure and found that "there is a need to rationalize and adjust the fare structure for TNVS in order to maintain its viability."

According to a copy of Memorandum Circular 2018-019 obtained by News5, the per minute charge will apply to all TNVS vehicles regardless of type.

JUST IN | The LTFRB greenlights Grab Philippines and other transport network companies to charge P2/minute of travel. | via News5 / @gerarddelapena pic.twitter.com/IHvmt0yFjs

— ONE News PH (@onenewsph) September 5, 2018

Transport Network Companies — TNCs, or the companies that facilitate the bookings — should also issue electronic receipts that "reflect the breakdown of the fare; flag-down rate, per kilometer rate, travel time and surge price," the LTFRB memorandum circular read.

The board said the new ruling is "without prejudice to the final resolution" of cases against TNCs Grab and Hype over their fares.

On Tuesday, the LTFRB "partially granted" Grab's appeal on the P2 charge that the board suspended in April. Although Grab still needs to pay a P10-million fine for charging for travel time, the board said there is a lack of legal basis to order the company to pay passengers back for the charge.