(NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday announced the indefinite suspension of the awarding of additional 10,000 slots for Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) units due to opposition from transport groups.
“As of today, we have only 23,000. And because we feel the need for more players because there is a seemingly deficiency in public transportation, nag-award po kami ng (we awarded) 10,000,” LTFRB chair Teofilo Guadiz III said in a press conference.
“However, in deference again to the clamor of the transport sector, we are postponing indefinitely the awarding of the slots to other players,” he added.
According to Guadiz, the postponement will be in effect until the LTFRB can determine the sufficient number of TNVS vehicles needed in Metro Manila.
Citing a calculation during the previous administration, Guadiz said the maximum capacity for TNVS in Metro Manila is 65,000 vehicles.
Guadiz previously said that the addition of 10,000 TNVS slots will not negatively affect the jeepneys and tricycles, adding that additional slots could contribute to a more “efficient” and “convenient” transportation system.
Some transport groups, however, opposed the initiative, arguing that it could worsen traffic congestion in Metro Manila.
In a recent statement, transportation groups and even a House committee has called on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to also retain the current cap on motorcycle taxis.