LTFRB announces opening of 20,000 TNVS slots

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board announced the opening of 20,000 more slots for new Transport Network Vehicle Service operators, the public transportation regulator posted on their Facebook page Monday morning.

The board said there had been a low turnout of applicants for  Certificates of Public Convenience, or franchises.

"The board decided to open again the online application for TNVS new CPC starting December 17, 2018, with a total of 20,000 slots/units," The LTFRB said.

Ride-hailing clients have been complaining of high prices of services, especially during the holiday seasons.

Some commuters had turned to motorcycling-hailing service Angkas, which typically provides transportation services for much lower prices. Angkas resumed operations in September following a writ of preliminary injunction issued by a Mandaluyong City court on an LTFRB order to cease operations.

But Angkas operations were suspended once again last week, after the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order on the writ of preliminary injunction. The LTFRB argues that it is illegal to use motorcycles as a form of public transportation.

READ: Riders protest 'discrimination' vs motorcyclists, Angkas crackdown

Grab Philippines, the biggest player in the TNVS market, said that the high prices are due to not having enough drivers to service the demand of the riding public.

They have been urging the LTFRB to increase the common supply base in Metro Manila from 65,000 to 80,500 since August.

After Grab absorbed drivers from Uber in April, the LTFRB accredited six other transport network companies (TNCs) in an effort to break Grab’s monopoly. They include: MiCab, HirNa, Hype, GoPickMeUp, Owto and GoLag.

Applicants looking to register as a TNVS can register via the LTFRB's website starting on Monday, December 17, until Thursday, January 3.