The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has heeded the directive of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to permanently allow hatchback units to operate as ride-hailing cars.
The board issued a new order amending a 2018 memorandum which removed the three-year transition period set for the acceptance of hatchback vehicles as transport network vehicle service (TNVS).
Under LTFRB’s Memorandum Circular (MC) 2019-042, hatchback and subcompact units are now “integrated and classified under TNVS” subject to some conditions such as carrying not more than three passengers excluding the driver.
Based on the new circular signed by LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra III and Board Members Ronaldo Corpus and Antonio Gardiola, TNVS hatchbacks are only allowed to operate within Metro Manila with a pre-arranged fare authorized by the LTFRB.
“The inclusion of hatchback and subcompact vehicles to the TNVS could help address the large demand for transport services in expeditious and responsive ways,” the memorandum stated.
The MC dated August 22 was issued by virtue of Department Order 2019-013 penned by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade last month after directing the board to allow hatchbacks as TNVS following a hearing and protests of affected drivers on the matter.
Meanwhile, the LTFRB assured the public that it is implementing the new memorandum, adding that it has been accepting applications of hatchback and sub-compact units since Tugade issued the directive. (Alexandria San Juan)
