TNVS groups push standardized rules for TNCs

Various members of Transport Network Vehicle Service groups on Tuesday urged the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to enforce standardized regulations for Transportation Network Companies.

LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II led a consultation meeting with TNVS operators and TNC representatives at the agency’s Quezon City office to address operational concerns, particularly the possibility of a fare increase.

“We want to hear all sides in the spirit of fairness because the discussion on fare increase is a sensitive issue that does not only involve the commuters but our economy as well,” Mendoza said.

Among the primary concerns raised by TNVS representatives were high and fluctuating commission rates and varying benefits imposed by TNCs on drivers.

“Napapansin namin napakatagal nadin po ng issue namin sa commission, hindi rin po talaga maayos, dinudulog namin sa mga TNC, parang wala kaming magawa,” a representative of the TNVS Coalition said.

“Sana magkaroon nalang ng batas na manggagaling sa gobyerno mismo,” he added.

The groups also highlighted what they described as unregulated driver benefits and alleged unfair treatment of drivers when faced with negative feedback from passengers.

While some of the concerns raised fall outside the LTFRB’s jurisdiction, Mendoza assured participants that these would be referred to appropriate government offices for action.

He added that the agency would continue consultations with other transport sector stakeholders to arrive at a balanced resolution.

“If there would be a fare increase, we assure that there will be a balance between the commuters’ capacity to pay and the need to attend to the concerns of those in the public transport sector,” Mendoza said.