LTFRB releases guidelines for taxis, TNVS in areas transitioning to GCQ

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday released the guidelines for the operations of taxis and Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) in areas under the general community quarantine (GCQ).

This as certain regions across the country will transition to GCQ starting May 16, 2020.

Under LTFRB’s Memorandum Circular No. 2020-018, the guidelines apply to all taxis and TNVs operators with valid and existing Provisional Authority (PA) or Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).

Provisional guidelines under MC 2020-018 shall be effective on 16 May 2020.

MC No. 2020-018 stipulates that:

For TNVS operators

• Must be holders of valid CPC or existing PA issued by the Central Office and RFROs with TNVS operation or that an Extension of Validity has been duly filed. Holders of expired PA or CPC covered by Board Resolution No. 062, Series of 2020 dated 29 April 2020 may likewise apply.
• Bookings and payments must be done strictly through an online facility or electronic payment only (cashless/contactless payment) provided by a duly accredited Transport Network Company.
• Units must be currently registered with valid Personal Passenger Insurance Policy

For taxi operators

• Must be holders of valid CPC or existing PA issued by the Central Office and RFROs with TNVS operation or that an Extension of Validity has been duly filed. Holders of expired PA or CPC covered by Board Resolution No. 062, Series of 2020 dated 29 April 2020 may likewise apply.
• Taxi units must be equipped with internet/web-based apps provided by an accredited TNC, for purposes of booking and online payment transactions.
• Taxi units must be compliant with the requirements under MC No. 2017-026 (i.e. installation of GNSS receivers, dashboard camera, CCTV, online digital platform (apps).
• Units must be currently registered with valid Personal Passenger Insurance Policy.
• Taxi meters of the units must be calibrated and the fare is through cashless transaction. In case of street-hailed transactions, operators/drivers are directed to enroll/register with available electronic payment providers for this purpose

The LTFRB reiterated that the existing policy for fare setting for TNVS and taxis shall apply.

MC 2020-018 also includes other conditions of taxis and TNVS to operate in GCQ areas, such as daily record of passenger manifest for contact tracing that should be available upon the request of the LTFRB and/or any government agency.

LTFRB encouraged strict enforcement social distancing guidelines for taxi and TNVs drivers and operators, as well as passengers to ensure safety and public health previously prescribed by LTFRB and I-ATF guidelines.

Deliberate failure to comply with any of the conditions set by the LTFRB may result in imposition of fines and/or cancellation/suspension of the operator’s CPC or PA as provided by the Joint Administrative Circular (JAO) No. 2014-001, it said. — RSJ, GMA News