LTFRB Studying to Open More Slots for Public Transpo Amid Traffic Congestion

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is still deciding if they should open more units for the Transport Network Vehicle Service drivers as the traffic is nearing pre-pandemic levels in Metro Manila.

The LTFRB Technical Division Chief, Joel Bolano, has stated that while they are still studying this, there is still no definite timeline after the LTFRB administration turnover.

From over 7,000 slots opened by the TNVS units during the pandemic, only 2,000 of these were taken by the transport network companies. The slots that were not taken were eventually closed.

“There were a lot of slots that weren’t filled up, and others that were appointed could not give their requirements, so they decided not to pursue their application anymore,” said Bolano.

“The period for applications was already closed by the board, and we need another guidance if we will open the remaining ones…the new administration is currently studying if they will be re-opened or we will open up more.”

On the topic of the lack of application submissions, the LTFRB pointed to the needed requirements,

“That’s the main reason…maybe others didn’t because of the fuel prices, that’s also possible,”  said Bolano. “We see that the [traffic] situation has already normalized, but we’re also weighing the increase in fuel prices. We’re trying to balance that with the opening of slots.”

When asked for a comment, Primo Morillo, The Passenger Forum convenor mentioned that the rise in prices was the main driver of the lack of units available.

“What is clear is that surge charges apply when there is high demand and low supply of TNVS units. In our view, this is the main reason why TNVS rates are so expensive nowadays,” he shares.

Source: Philstar