LTFRB rejects 15,000 Uber, Grab applications
Applicants submitted incomplete requirements or did not emerge at hearings
Rappler.com
TNVS CONSULTATION. A photo from the LTFRB Central Office with the Board Officials during the consultation with TNVS operators. Photo by LTFRB.
MANILA, Philippines – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday, January Five, said it dismissed almost half of franchise applications – over 15,000 out of some 32,000 – for ride-hailing services Grab and Uber.
Applicants submitted incomplete requirements or did not show up at hearings, GMA News reported.
LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra, in a dialogue with transportation network vehicle service (TNVS) operators in Quezon City, said the dismissed cases would be uploaded to the LTFRB website, “hopefully next week.”
The dialogue inbetween the LTFRB and TNVS operators revolved around Memorandum Circular 2016-008, which directed the LTFRB’s technical division and regional offices not to accept any applications for TNVS – particularly those of Uber, GrabCar, and Uhop – proposing to ply the route within Metro Manila or coming in Metro Manila. (READ: LTFRB suspends processing of fresh Uber, Grab, Uhop applications)
TNVS operators had asked about when the LTFRB planned to lift the suspension for fresh applicants.
Delgra said: “There is no target date yet when the suspension will be lifted. But when that happens, switches will have to be made.”
LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada added that they are waiting for position papers from Uber and Grab on accountability.
BM Lizada: we directed @grabph and @Uber_PH to submit position papers on accountability. #TNVSConsultation
Delgra added a franchise was needed “if you are providing public service.”
CHM Delgra: you have to get a franchise if you are providing public service. #TNVSConsultation
Grab and Uber have until Friday, January 6, to submit their position papers.
Provisional authority to operate
TNVS operators also asked about the LTFRB’s 45-day provisional authority (PA) permissions to operate as part of the TNVS, wondering if these could be renewed while the LTFRB deliberates on their franchise application.
Delgra said operators “can renew or extend PA” until the application receives its final decision.
CHM Delgra: you can renew or extend PA until such time until application is determined. #TNVSConsultation
Operating public land transport without the PA or the certificate of public convenience is considered illegal or colorum.
CHM Delgra: walang PA/CPC, colorum. #TNVSConsultation