By Azer N. Parrocha
MANILA, Aug. 25 (PNA) — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday urged the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to allow Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers to pick up passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The LTFRB made the said call following its grant of provisional authorities (PA) to ride-sharing companies GrabCar and Uber which are classified under the TNVS transport category last week.
Before their PAs were awarded, the Board also approved both ride-sharing services companies’ application as a Transport Network Company (TNC).
In his official Twitter account, LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez encouraged the MIAA by allowing TNVS drivers to pick up passengers at the airport’s terminals after their compliance with its safety and security standards.
“Since TNVS, like the rest of public transport services at NAIA, are considered public utility vehicles, they must first comply with safety and security standards of MIAA before they will be authorized to pick up passengers,” Ginez said.
Ginez said that authorities in some airports in the United States, such as the Board of Airport Commissioners of Los Angeles (LAX) have been already allowing TNVS to operate.
“The policy that a TNVS driver is prohibited to pick-up passengers in the airports, unless authorized by the airport management, is in recognition of the authority of the MIAA over transport services at NAIA,” Ginez explained.
“MIAA in mandate is to provide safe, efficient and reliable airport facilities. In this regard, MIAA requires that NAIA transport services, such as airport metered/coupon taxis, rent-a-car, airport loop/shuttle buses, must be accredited by DOT (Department of Tourism),” the LTFRB added.
Still, he said all drivers are required to secure airport clearances.
Furthermore, it imposes fines and penalties for violations of the terms and conditions of the airport concession agreement of its accredited transport operators. (PNA)