LTFRB to open 10,000 slots for TNVS franchises

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to open 10,000 slots for franchises of Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) units of ridesharing companies, an official announced yesterday.

LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra said they would start accepting online applications from TNVS operators starting Aug. 24.

Delgra said they hoped to fill the 65,000 vehicle common supply base that the board has set for Transport Network Companies (TNCs) operating in the country.

He said the move would help address the problems of slow bookings and higher fares, which the TNCs attributed to the lack of drivers.

The LTFRB will open its website for online applications of certificates of public convenience (CPCs) or franchises of TNVS.

The board has issued 13,816 certificates of provisional authority to operate and 4,925 CPCs since it started the processing of franchise applications on March 5.

Colorum operations

The LTFRB will crack down on colorum operations of TNVS without franchises beginning next month.

Delgra said they would launch the anti-colorum drive to compel TNVS operators to apply for franchises. 

“The applications we received for TNVS franchises are way below our target,” he said in an interview.

For the past 10 days, the LTFRB said it received only 60 applications per day.

The LTFRB ordered all TNVS units to submit their applications for franchises and secure provisional authority to operate on or before Aug. 31.