LTFRB: Crackdown on app-using colorum vehicles starts Sept. 1

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will go after app-using colorum vehicles starting September 1.

The board served notice to transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers currently on its master list that they have until August 31 to submit their applications for the renewal of their certificates of public convenience (CPCs).

The master list refers to the TNVS drivers provided by ride-hailing giants Grab and Uber in March, prior to Grab’s acquisition of Uber’s Southeast Asia operations.

The LTFRB has limited to 65,000 the number of drivers who can operate on ride-hailing platforms, but currently up to around 55,000 slots have been filled, according to LTFRB Chair Martin Delgra.

Provisional authority

Of the 55,000, only 13,816 drivers have been issued with a provisional authority while 4,925 were issued with CPCs, according to LTFRB data.

The board earlier allowed unregistered TNVS units to accept bookings in the meantime, provided that they apply for renewal so as to avoid major disruptions in the ride-sharing sector.

“But despite the call for application, there have been fewer applications for new CPCs for the primary reason TNVS owners have been unable or unwilling to file applications,” Delgra said.

The LTFRB chair added that the board had opened 10,000 new slots to meet the 65,000 ceiling.

Applicants who are not yet on the master list are allowed to apply starting August 24, the board added.