LTFRB to accept TNVS applications

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation  Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will start accepting franchise applications for transport network vehicle service (TNVS) units on Feb. 5.

LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra III said yesterday the acceptance of applications will begin on Feb. 5 as the effectivity of their memorandum circular setting a common supply base for transport network companies (TNCs) is on Feb. 3, which falls on a Saturday.

Delgra said they will put up a one-stop-shop at the LTFRB main office in Quezon City for those who are interested to take part in ride-sharing services.

The LTFRB issued Memorandum Circular 2018-03, which limited the number of TNVS units at 45,000 in Manila, 500 in Metro Cebu and 200 in Pampanga.

There are about 14,789 TNVS units registered with the LTFRB. It means around 30,211 slots in Metro Manila are available, based on the LTFRB records.

Meanwhile, LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra III said Uber Philippines should justify its petition for a fare increase for UberX.

He said the board will set a hearing and summon the Office of the Solicitor General, which represents the riding public.

The TNC submitted its petition for a fare increase on Thursday, citing new excise taxes on oil, increasing fuel prices and costs of maintaining vehicles.

In its petition, Uber is proposing fare per kilometer of P9 to P12, up from the current fare of P5.70 per kilometer. The base fare of P40 and time charge of P2 will remain.