TNVS operators given until June to apply for permits

CEBU, Philippines —  Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) operators in Central Visayas still have a month to submit or file their applications and documents to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-7.

They are given a final call to file and comply with the requirements for provisional authority (PA) or certificate of public convenience (CPC) applications on or before June 15, 2021.

LTFRB-7 will only accommodate 1,500 “common supply base,” or the number of allowed franchises under TNVS, for Metro Cebu.

In determining the common supply base, the LTFRB took into account the unserved demand, vehicle coding schemes in place, and churning rate of drivers, or those who become inactive after a few months.

LTFRB-7 Regional Director Eduardo Montealto said only 1,000 out of the 3,000 registered TNVS units have officially filed their applications before the board.

 “1,500 TNVs units ang gi-allocate unya naa pay 500 units nga available slots,” he said.

It can be recalled that on February 13, 2018, LTFRB issued Memorandum Circular No. 2018-005 or the Amendment to Memorandum Circular No. 2018-03, Common Supply Base for Transport Network Vehicle Service setting the common supply base of Metro Cebu to 1,500 TNVS units.

Montealto said TNVS units or ride-hailing platform units operating without PA or CPC are considered as colorum or illegally operating vehicles. — KQD (FREEMAN)