Senator: TNVS cap ‘still inadequate’
SENATOR GRACE Poe-Llamanzares on Thursday said the 65,000 cap on transport network vehicle service (TNVS) allowed to operate in Metro Manila is not yet enough to meet passenger demand amid the difficulties in public transportation services.
However, she also pointed out the cap should still be enforced in order to pave the way for colorum vehicles under the TNVS to be registered at the LTFRB.
“The truth is, it is still inadequate because a lot of people are complaining that the services are not enough due to the lacking public transportation. But let’s allow it for now so the registration could be done. Then let’s lift the cap again,” she told reporters in Filipino after Thursday’s hearing by the Senate committee on public services, which she heads, regarding issues hounding the TNVS sector.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday issued a memorandum circular increasing the number of Uber and Grab vehicles allowed on the streets of Metro Manila from 45,000 to 65,000 in order to meet passenger demand.
Ms. Llamanzares said the TNVS cap could still be adjusted if the demand remained high.
“Let’s start with 65,000 but let’s reevaluate after that. If the demand is unmet then we need to be able to make adjustments again,” she said at the hearing.
At the hearing, LTFRB chair Martin B. Delgra III said the agency is processing about 12,000 pending applications which would be part of the 65,000 vehicles allowed to operate.
He also discouraged the public from purchasing vehicles to enroll these under Grab or Uber because LTRFB would not act on new applications.
“Don’t buy new cars before applying for a franchise. We’re trying not to raise expectations,” he said.
Mr. Arnel Caluya from the TNVS community expressed reservations on the cap issued by LTFRB.
“Our position is there should not be a cap on the number of vehicles because these cars are already existing… it should be serving the public. What we suggest is don’t put the cap,” he said.
As for fare hike increase requested by both Grab and Uber, Mr. Delgra said the petitions are under deliberation, noting that ongoing hearings were being held by the agency up until March on the matter. — Camille A. Aguinaldo
