The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said it will open more than 4,000 slots for transport network vehicle service (TNVS) starting January 9, 2023 to bring the total vehicles to 11,000.
This as passengers complained of having difficulty in booking a ride due to the lack of TNVS units.
“First, they should be accredited by the transportation network company or TNC and the Board allows the TNC to help the accredited TNVS operators or drivers to process their application,” said LTFRB technical division head Joel Bolano.
“The Board wants to ensure that the applications the TNC will file are all genuine and already vetted,” he added.
The LTFRB will allow TNCs to have 100 applications for franchise and up to three accredited vehicles per individual.
The LTFRB also eased the requirement for applicants whose vehicles are under installment plan.
“They will be given provisional authority to operate while waiting. The TNC may help them with the bank,” he said.
Meanwhile, the LTFRB reopened more than 40 pre-pandemic routes for public utility jeepneys (PUJ) in the National Capital Region.
“First, these are additional units for the riding public. Second, livelihood for drivers and more convenient commute for passengers because they may be more familiar with these routes,” Bolan said.
Among the routes to be restored are the San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal-Cubao Central Terminal, Novaliches-MRT North EDSA, Pasig-Quiapo, Southmall-Quiapo, Southmall-Lawton, Tandang Sora-TM Kalaw, and Cubao-Marikina.
Around 9,000 PUJ drivers are expected to return to the streets with the new LTFRB order.