Guidelines being developed for Premium Taxis — LTFRB

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MANILA — After a taxi groups’ protest on new transport regulations, the Land Transportation and Franchising Board (LTFRB) heard on Friday their concerns in a public consultation.

The groups earlier said that the regulations were unfair since regular taxi operators had more requirements to meet compared to transportation network vehicle service (TNVS), which are app-based.

TNVS are required to install global positioning system (GPS) devices. Their drivers will also be required to issue e-receipts and secure passenger insurance under the LTFRB.

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.

Meanwhile, Premium Taxis, similar to TNVS, should not be older than seven years. Taxis under this category will also be required to install GPS online, smartphone booking capability, and cashless transactions through credit or debit card payments.

TNVS and Premium Taxis are two of the four new categories added to the country’s transport system in efforts to modernize transport services. The other two categories are the Airport Bus and Bus Rapid Transit.

LTFRB plans to authorize a maximum of 5,580 Premium Taxi units under its guidelines.

These units should be brand-new sedans. The board has proposed the color black.