LTFRB releases guidelines for TNVS, taxi operators in areas under GCQ

PHOTO/RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines  — The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has released guidelines for Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) and taxi operators in areas placed under the general community quarantine beginning May 16.

As per Memorandum Circular 2020-018 released Friday, it read that the guidelines apply to all taxi operators and TNVS operators with valid and existing Provisional Authority (PA) or Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).

The following are stipulated under the LTFRB memorandum circular:

For TNVS Operators

1. Must be holders of valid CPC or existing PA issued by the Central Office and RFROs with TNVS operation or that an Extension of Validity has been duly filed. Meanwhile, holders of expired PA or CPC covered by Board Resolution No. 062, Series of 2020 dated April 29, 2020.

2. Bookings and payments must be done strictly through an online facility or electronic payment only (cashless/contactless payment) provided by a duly accredited Transport Network Company (TNC).

3. Units must be currently registered with valid Personal Passenger Insurance Policy.

For Taxi Operators

1. They must be holders of valid CPC or existing PA issued by the Central Office and Regional Franchising and Regulatory Offices with TNVS operation or that an Extension of Validity has been duly filed. Holders of expired PA or CPC covered by Board Resolution No. 062, Series of 2020 dated April 29 may likewise apply.

2. Taxi units must be equipped with an internet or web-based apps provided by an accredited TNC, for purposes of booking and online payment transactions.

3. Taxi units must be compliant with the requirements under MC No. 2017-026 (that is installation of GNSS receivers, dashboard camera, CCTV, online digital platform (apps).

4. Units must be currently registered with valid Personal Passenger Insurance Policy.

5. Taximeter of the units must be calibrated and the fare is through cashless transaction. In case of street-hailed transactions, operators/drivers are directed to enroll/register with available electronic payment providers for this purpose

Moreover, the agency also issued safety guidelines, in compliance with the public health safety protocols of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases:

-Drivers of both TNVS and taxis must wear masks at all times.
-For passenger, no face mask means no ride.

-All surfaces that are often-touched (such as seats, armrests and door handles) must be disinfected after each trip.

-Vehicle units shall be sprayed with disinfecting agent once every two hours.

-Drivers/operators should provide appropriate flooring/matting protection to ensure that sanitary requirements are complied.

-The driver compartment should be sealed off from the passenger using “non-permeable, transparent material.”

-No multiple bookings shall be allowed. Passenger load should not exceed three passengers (two passengers in the back row, while one passenger in the front row).

-For taxi and TNVS operators, they need to ensure that their drivers are fit to work by checking their body temperature and must be screened for COVID-19 symptoms.

-TNVS and taxi drivers shall comply with all the IATF resolutions in relation to the COVID-19  pandemic.

While most areas are placed under GCQ, only Laguna, Cebu City and Metro Manila are under modified enhanced community quarantine until May 31 as these were recognized as “high-risk” areas for the latest strain of coronavirus.

The Philippines currently has 12,091COVID-19 cases, with 2,460 recoveries and 806 deaths.