LTFRB receives 65,000 requests as TNVS applications resume

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has resumed accepting new applications for Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS), nearly two years after suspending the process.

According to a report on “Balitanghali” by GMA News’ Raffy Tima on Tuesday, the LTFRB received more than 65,000 new applications for Metro Manila after the board lifted the suspension order.

The LTFRB stopped accepting new applicants in July 2016, saying it has yet to review existing policies.

A TNVS franchise requires the applicant to secure a provisional authority (PA) number and attend a hearing conducted within 10 days. During the application process, a moratorium issued the LTFRB prevents traffic enforcers from apprehending TNVS operators.

“With this PA, makakabiyahe na sila ng kampante ang loob, na walang mangongotong na iba-ibang mga enforcers diyan na sinusubukan pa rin silang hulihin hanggang ngayon dahil sinasabi nga na kolorum sila, which ... hindi naman,” Grab Philippines country head Bryan Cu told GMA News.

According to the report, LTFRB Board Member Aileen Lizada said applicants who made it on the board’s “master list” are given priority.

“Itong 65,000 na ito, not all will decide to remain. Ang iba mapapagod, ang iba lilipat, mag o-overseas—so that is when we will require new applicants,” Lizada said.

The LTFRB pointed out that the accreditation of TNVS operators will be “generic,” taking out of the equation concept of exclusivity of their services as partner drivers of either Uber or Grab Philippines.
 
“We hope to have your cooperation so please be good and responsible franchise holders,” Lizada told applicants who flocked to LTFRB offices on Tuesday. —Margaret Claire Layug/VDS, GMA News