U-Hop gets LTFRB nod

MANILA, Philippines – App-based ride-sharing service U-Hop was accredited by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Friday, more than six months after the LTFRB denied its application for accreditation. 

LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez said that the U-Hop has finally gotten the accreditation to operate as a transport network company (TNC) like Uber and Grab, formerly known as GrabCar.

 “Yes, we have given them accreditation,” Ginez told The STAR.

The LTFRB denied U-Hop’s application in October last year since it did not fit into what the Department of Transportation and Communications envisioned for TNCs as a mass transport system.

Ginez said U-Hop was granted accreditation after it agreed that it can still operate as a ride-sharing service, but there should be a maximum of seven passengers per van.

He also said U-Hop vehicles should not have a fixed route. The LTFRB earlier said U-Hop’s designation of service areas violates the DOTC’s rule against fixed routes for TNCs.

Michael Manalaysay, U-Hop’s vice president for corporate communications, said the firm will provide “affordable and very competitive” services for commuters.