Calling for Urgent Action to Increase the TNVS Supply cap in Metro Manila

To our fellow TNVS passengers,  

In 2015, ride-sharing entered the Philippine market and offered a quick, convenient and safe transportation option. It was a breath of fresh air from years and years of using limited and inefficient modes of transportation in Metro Manila --- frequent MRT breakdowns, rude and unfair taxi drivers, and squeezy bus, jeep and FX rides on rush hours.  

Ride-sharing was a solution we never thought we needed until going around Metro Manila became more difficult without it.  

We became few taps away to reaching our desired destinations. We’ve even seen success stories of drivers starting their own TNVS business and earning more for their families. In just few years, it became an important part of our daily lives.

Regulation then followed. Ride-sharing became one of the key focus areas of the government under the regulation of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). In February 2018, out of 125,000 units operating under Grab and Uber, LTFRB ordered a cap of 65,000 common supply limit of TNVS in Metro Manila.

55,000 slots of this supply cap are already allocated and registered in the masterlist. 10,000 additional slots were recently opened by the LTFRB to maximize the cap. Processing of the new applications for TNVS franchise is still ongoing, and still has not supported the current demand.

Grab Philippines reported that their platform is generating about 600,000 daily bookings with only 35,000 daily active available to serve passengers. They also said that they can only allocate 4 out of 10 passengers.

The big disparity in active drivers vs. the supply cap was caused by the suspension of the P2 per minute fare component.  Driver earnings dropped significantly and have compelled them to become inactive and drop out of the system.

The result --  long waiting time for commuters that only add to their burdens for the day. Passengers are left waiting as they do not have a proper mode of transportation  they need for work or school, and for other activities.

The LTFRB has recently opened the application for 10,000 more slots, but with the inactive drivers and the increasing demand, even if the cap of TNVS supply has been reached, it will not be enough.

We at Infrawatch PH are urging the LTFRB to increase the cap of TNVS. With the upcoming Christmas and rainy season, we anticipate the demand for TNVS will increase further. If not acted upon immediately, more passengers will be left stranded.

It is the right of every passenger to get a TNVS ride. The regulators should not hinder passengers from getting the transportation option they deserve and ask for. The ride-hailing industry has been a mobility solution. The Philippines needs an efficient transportation option to continue moving forward.

Your voice matters for this cause. Sign this petition to tell LTFRB that we need more vehicles on the road. Sign this petition so that LTFRB will increase the supply cap of TNVS units. Sign this petition if you want to spend your time with the family instead of wasting it in traffic.

Sign this petition if you deserve a comfortable and efficient transportation system. Sign this petition if you want to move forward.

We at Infrawatch will make sure that this message will reach the LTFRB.

Reference: Terry Ridon, Infrawatch PH Convenor, 09155310725###