Operatorsappeal to allot more TNVS slots

CEBU, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-7 will consolidate Transport Network Vehicle Services’ (TNVS) requests, including the allocation of more slots for Cebu’s ride-hailing platform units.

The TNVS operators like ride-hailing giant Grab Philippines appeal to increase the slots to 3,000 units from 1,500.

LTFRB recently announced that it will only allow 1,500 TNVS units to operate in Cebu.

LTFRB-7 Regional Director Eduardo Montealto said the consolidated report will be forwarded to their head office for the perusal of LTFRB board members and chairman.

“I will not make any recommendations. The head office will decide on the request of TNVS operators,” he said after yesterday’s public consultation.

The consultation was attended by TNVS and taxi drivers and operators, students and other commuters.

Montealato said none of the attendees were against the increase in TNVS slots.

At present, Cebu has over 3,000 Grab units.

But only 1,500 units have provisional authority (PA) to operate legally. Other drivers and operators are still waiting for the approval of their franchise applications.

Ernesto Aniban, a member of the driver’s group “Alsa Boys,” is among the over 1,500 drivers and operations who have yet to get a PA.

“We are depending on it for our daily sustenance,” he said in vernacular.

Shirley Mara, a TNVS user, said ride-hailing platform units are of big help to commuters like her.

Noldith Etcobanez, an optometry student, echoed Mara’s statement, adding that TNVS provides safe and convenient ride to commuters.

In a separate interview, Leo Gonzales, Grab Philippines head of public affairs, said the company continues to engage in a dialogue with LTFRB.

"Rest assured, Grab is doing its best to solve this problem. We are hoping that the LTFRB will review the demand for TNVS," he said.

Meanwhile, a joint roadside clearing operation was conducted by the Land Transportation Office-7 and Cebu City Police Office Traffic Group the other day.

The joint operation apprehended 97 motorcycles and four wheeler trucks in Barangay Basak Pardo, said LTO-7 Regional Director Victor Caindec.

LTO-7 has deputized 350 police personnel to implement President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to clear public and national roads from obstructions and to enforce the provisions of Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.—  KBQ (FREEMAN)