LTFRB suspends new applications for ride-sharing apps

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday said it will temporarily stop accepting new applications for transport network vehicle service (TNVS) like Grab and Uber in Metro Manila.

In memorandum circular No. 2016-008, the LTFRB directed its technical division and all regional offices not to accept new TNVS applications with a proposed route in the National Capital Region “pending review of existing policies.”

“Pending review of existing policies, and other relevant and pressing issues of franchise to TNVS, the Board hereby orders the suspension of the acceptance of all TNVS application proposing to ply on the route within Metro Manila or entering Metro Manila,” the memorandum read.

“All other issuances inconsistent herewith are deemed modified or superseded accordingly,” it added.

LTFRB clarified that the suspension applies only to new applications.

“Current applications already filed will be processed and resolved upon in accordance with the rules,” it said.

Through a department order last year, the LTFRB classified vehicles operating under ride-sharing applications like Grab and Uber as a new mode of service called TNVS.

“”Mobility is a key concern for our government. The object of Department Order No. 2015-011 is to encourage innovation across all forms of public land transportation in order to increase mobility on major thoroughfares, boost travel times, improve the quality, sustainability and reliability of public transport services, and respond to the needs of modern commuters,” the agency said. RAM

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