LTFRB suspends TNV application acceptance

MANILA, Philippines – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) won’t accept new applications for accreditation of transport network vehicle (TNVs) following protests from transport groups.

In a July 21 memorandum circular, the LTFRB said it will review the existing policies for the issuance of franchises for TNVs of Uber, Grab and UHop.

LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra; members Ariel Inton and Ronaldo Corpus; and executive director Roberto Pieg signed the circular.

The indefinite suspension covers TNV applications proposing to ply in or enter Metro Manila. Inton said TNV applicants with proposed routes outside Metro Manila are exempted from the circular.

He added that applications filed before the suspension will be processed “in accordance with the rules.” 

Delgra said they have to straighten out some issues like vehicle specifications, fare matrixes, and the complaints of other public utility vehicle operators regarding unfair treatment.

As of Thursday, there are still over 30,700 pending applications, with Uber accounting for 22,453, Grab for more than 8,000 and UHop for 138. – Romina Cabrera, Robertzon Ramirez, Louella Desiderio