Tugade signs order allowing TNVS operators to use hatchback cars

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade on Friday signed a department order permanently allowing hatchbacks to operate as Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS).

The order also covered other sub-compact cars, Transportation Assistant Secretary for Communication Goddess Hope Libiran said is a Viber message to reporters.

Tugade met with officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to amend the Department Order No. 2015-011 so that hatchback cars may be allowed as public transport.

On Thursday, Tugade ordered the LTFRB to implement its Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2018-005 which allowed accredited hatchback units to operate as public transport during a transition period of three years, charging lower fares, and only in Metro Manila, while DO 2015-011 is being amended.

MC 2018-005, however, allowed only hatchbacks included in the 55,000 units on the masterlist and with applications filed from March 5 to December 15, 2018.

With the new department order signed, Libiran said, “Kahit wala sa masterlist, pwede nang i-accept.”

Transport network company Grab Philippines is waiting for an official copy of the order before making any statement.

LABAN TNVS welcomed Tugade’s earlier order allowing hatchbacks to operate as TNVS.

The struggle of LABAN TNVS will not end until a law has been passed in Congress and enacted—ensuring the rights and welfare of TNVS stakeholders, according to Manila Hatchback Community president Leonardo de Loen Jr.—VDS, GMA News