LTFRB opens up franchise program to mega taxis

Due to the low number of applications for the AUV Express, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has allowed mega taxis to avail of the franchise conversion program.

Earlier, the LTFRB disallowed mega taxis from taking part in the AUV Express program since only shuttle services, school transport, garage services, aircon jeepneys and trucks for hire were qualified for the program.

LTFRB Chairwoman Elena Bautista said mega taxis would be included for the second phase of the franchise conversion program.

However, the initial exclusion of the mega taxis from the program resulted in a series of protest rallies staged by mega taxi groups, led by the Confederation of FX, Highlander, AUVs, Vans Operators and Drivers Association Inc. (COFHAODA) last August.

Since only 2,000 have expressed interest in the program since the LTFRB started sending letters of invitation to qualified franchise holders last Aug. 5, the LTFRB decided to allow the inclusion of mega taxi franchises to be part of the AUV Express.

"Because of the very low compliance, sa mega taxis na lang namin ito tutal sila naman itong humihingi ng franchise at para hindi na sila mag-rally," Bautista said.

The AUV Express conversion program, which is expected to be implemented next month or early next year, involves "terminal to terminal" routes so as not to compete with buses and jeepneys.

Vehicles under the program are not allowed to load and unload in between terminals. Bautista said that 6,300 AUV units would benefit from the initial phase of the program, which would offer 135 routes.

AUV Express franchises are worth P30,000 and can be paid in full, in two installments or four installments.

Chosen AUV operators will receive a letter stating they are entitled to the program.

The process is meant to have an orderly system of distributing franchises as well as prevent the involvement of fixers.

Fares will be charged per kilometer since there are short and long distance routes, Bautista said.