DOTr wants simpler TNVS accreditation process

Transport network vehicle services drivers seen in a protest action. PHOTO: GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE, INQUIRER.NET

AN official of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday said the agency’s head wants to simplify the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) accreditation requirements for transport network vehicle services (TNVS) applicants.

A report published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on the same day quoted DOTr undersecretary Mark de Leon as saying the transport agency can provide guidance to the LTFRB so it could be quicker in delivering public service.

“May instructions na si DOTr secretary [Arthur] Tugade na tingnan kung ano yung mga requirements, ano ‘yung mga proseso na pwede nating bawasan para mas mapabilis itong pag-process nitong provisional authority at certificate of convenience ng mga TNVS (DOTr secretary Tugade has already issued instructions for us to look into the requirements, as well as which processes can be removed, to speed up the processing of provisional authority and certificate of convenience for TNVS applicants),” de Leon was quoted in the Inquirer report as saying in a news conference held in Quezon City Monday.

He also urged TNVS drivers and operators to attend the dialogue set by the LTFRB on Tuesday, July 9, the Inquirer said.

Some TNVS drivers and operators went offline from their ride-sharing platforms for 12 hours on Monday to protest what they said are “inconsistent and problematic” policies of the LTFRB.

De Leon said DOTr representatives will attend the dialogue to “push LTFRB to simplify and further improve the process” by reducing requirements, the Inquirer said.

He also called on the LTFRB to implement its Memorandum Circular 2018-005 which allows hatchback cars to operate as TNVS.

In the Inquirer report, the TNVS community was quoted as saying it would continue protesting against the LTFRB until it sees documents assuring drivers and operators of a simpler accreditation process.