19 TNCs summoned for ‘defying’ fare hike

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has summoned several platform providers of ride-hailing services for not properly implementing the approved fare hikes.

Acting LTFRB Chairman Greg Pua Jr. said the agency issued show-cause orders to 19 Transport Network Companies (TNCs) after monitoring the complaints of drivers over the effects of the non-implementation of the fare increase for Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS).

On Monday, the LTFRB implemented the fare increase for public utility vehicles.

The base fare for TNVS sedan increased to P65 from P45, P75 from P55 for AUVs, P55 from P35 for hatchback and P165 from P145 for premium TNVS.

But the TNCs reportedly did not implement the fare hike and opted to stick to the old fare system.

“People might wonder why we still need to summon these TNCs. For everyone’s information, it is the TNVS partner who shoulders the cost of gasoline and diesel, not the TNCs. Therefore, if a fare increase is not implemented for them, they are the ones who will be affected, not the TNCs,” Pua said.

The LTFRB directed the TNCs to explain in writing why their authority to operate should not be suspended or canceled for defying the fare hike.

The hearing was set on Oct. 7.