By Azer N. Parrocha
MANILA, Aug. 19 (PNA) — After filing its accreditation to legally operate as a Transport Network Company (TNC) earlier this week, ride-sharing service Uber on Wednesday immediately got its approval from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez made the announcement on his official Twitter account.
Ginez, at the same time, urged Uber partners to file for franchise under the Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVs) category.
“LTFRB approves Uber’s application for accreditation as TNC. Uber partners may now file their application for franchise for TNVS,” Ginez said via Twitter.
Also via Twitter, Ginez shared a photo of Uber’s certificate of accreditation signed by himself, LTFRB board members Engr. Ronaldo F. Corpus, and Atty. Antonio Enrile-Inton Jr.
LTFRB last week gave Uber only until Aug. 20 to file accreditation and secure a franchise. Uber falls under the Department of Transportation and Communications’ (DOTC) TNVS category.
Vehicles under the TNVS category will be required to install global positioning system (GPS) devices screen. Its drivers will meanwhile be required to issue e-receipts, and secure passenger insurances under LTFRB.
Also under the TNVS category, vehicles should not be older than seven years. Only sedans, Asian Utility Vehicles, Sports Utility Vehicles, vans, or similar vehicles will be allowed.
Four categories were developed to modernize the country’s transport services. Aside from TNVs, the other categories are premium taxi, airport bus, and bus rapid transit. These categories began implementation last May.
LTFRB last week warned Uber and similar ride-sharing services that if they fail to file accreditation before Aug 20, the Board will start cracking down and treating their vehicles as “colorum” vehicles.
Colorum vehicles carry a Php 200,000 fine under the LTFRB-LTO Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-01. (PNA)