LTFRB: No compact cars for TNCs

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) yesterday warned owners of hatchbacks and other compact cars used for ride-hailing services to change their vehicles as these will no longer be allowed by March.

LTFRB spokesperson and board member Aileen Lizada said owners of small vehicles were given 90 days to file a petition for dropping and substitution of vehicles under Memorandum Circular 2017-032 issued on Nov. 29 last year.

Lizada said transport network companies (TNCs) such as Uber and Grab did not follow the requirement that the vehicles should be sedans for the comfort of passengers.

“What if the rider is six feet tall. How will he fit in?” Lizada said.

There are about 10,000 small vehicles operating under Grab and Uber, Lizada said. She said the owners should  file a petition or face problems with their certificates of public convenience and incur other penalties.

If they already have a petition before the LTFRB, Lizada said drivers will be allowed to operate while their petition is pending.