LTFRB opens 20,000 TNVS vehicle slots

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has opened an additional 20,000 slots for transport network vehicle service (TNVS) units.

The LTFRB yesterday started to accept the application of franchises or certificate of public convenience (CPC) for TNVS operators through online registration.

The regulatory board said that they opened the registration since there was “low turnout” for applications of CPCs when it opened 10,000 slots for TNVS units last August.

Latest figures from the LTFRB showed that there are only 35,000 operators who have valid CPCs or provisional authority to operate from the board. 

This is a little over half of the 65,000 cap imposed by the board on the number of TNVS units allowed to operate. 

Interested TNVS applicants have until Jan. 3, 2019 to register through LTFRB’s online platform. 

TNVS operators who would be able to secure their proper provisional authority or CPC are allowed to operate under any of the accredited transport network companies. 

Grab, the major player of the ride-hailing sector, said that it has around 33,000 active drivers on board its platform. 

Meanwhile, Grab Christmas Express is offering free bus and jeepney rides in high-demand locations from Dec. 13 to 24.

Commuters may claim their Christmas Express unlimited pass from the GrabRewards catalogue on the app.

The ticket, equivalent to one seat, can be used multiple times in Grab P2P buses operating from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. covering SM Megamall to SM North and Mckinley Hill to San Lazaro Place.

Grab jeeps cover the Ayala-Market Market, EDSA-Pasig, EDSA Crossing-Kalentong, PRC-Mantrade-Kamayan C and Guadalupe Gate 3 routes.