LTFRB open to talk on opposition to more TNVS slots

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is open to talking to several groups who oppose deploying additional slots for transport network vehicle services (TNVS).

According to Joseph Morong’s report on “24 Oras,” several traditional taxi and even TNVS drivers expressed opposition as the LTFRB announced its opening of more than 10,000 additional slots in Metro Manila for TNVS.

LTRFB said 65,000 TNVS should be on the road. But in Metro Manila, only over 8,000 cars are plying the roads.

“Meron pong nakitang kakulangan dahil sa [mga] experiences po natin for the past month at doon po sa sa data po na gathered po ng LTFRB,” said LTFRB Technical Division head Joel Bolano.

He noted that the lack of vehicles lead to surcharges or extra charges during peak season or peak hours.

“Basehan po ng surcharge ay kakulangan ng supply palagay ko ‘pag napunan dapat hindi na ganun kataas ‘yung surcharge,” he added.

However, an organization of TNVS drivers, Laban TNVS, said the LTFRB should check its data to see if there is really a shortage of vehicles. The group added some of their drivers even find it hard to get passengers.

“Meron pong oversupply, ito po yung nararanasan ng mga TNVS drivers dahil sa tumal,” Laban TNVS president Jun de Leon said.–Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News