MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) yesterday allowed hatchbacks and sub-compact cars to operate as transport network vehicle service (TNVS) permanently.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade signed a department order, which accredited hatchbacks on TNVS fleet.
The DOTr said the order would take effect immediately after publication at the UP Law Center.
A memorandum circular issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in 2018 allowed hatchbacks to operate as TNVS in Metro Manila only for three years.
Hatchbacks that were among the 55,000 units in the LTFRB master list and whose applications were filed between March 5 and Dec. 15, 2018 are entitled to the benefit granted by the circular.
Drivers were required to charge lower fares, Tugade said.
Tugade has been pushing for the classification of hatchbacks as TNVS.
The DOTr said hatchbacks are allowed to operate as public transport in metropolitan areas such London and Tokyo as these cars are more fuel-efficient and environment-friendly.
In a letter to the DOTr last month, ride-hailing mobile app Grab Philippines said the safety of commuters is never compromised in hatchbacks as most, if not all vehicles sold in the market today, conform with international standards of roadworthiness.
“Consistent with the DOTr’s statement that hatchbacks provide a more economical option to the riding public, we propose that hatchbacks be permanently allowed to operate as TNVS,” Grab Philippines president Brian Cu said.
Sen. Grace Poe welcomed the decision of the DOTr in allowing hatchbacks to operate as public transport.
“This is a positive step in resolving the issues regarding TNVS operations,” Poe said.– With Cecille Suerte Felipe