LTFRB calls out 2 colorum TNVS firms

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has said it uncovered two unauthorized transport network vehicle service (TNVS) companies operating in the country.

"There are indeed two unauthorized TNVS companies operating in the Philippines right now,” LTFRB chief Assistant Secretary Teofilo Guadiz III said in a press briefing on Friday.

He said inDrive and Maxim have no accreditation from any government agencies in the country.

According to Guadiz, inDrive is an international ride hailing agency located in Mountain View, California but was founded in Russia.

In a statement sent Wednesday, InDrive said it is currently conducting market research in the country and does not impose any fees nor monetize within the Philippine market.

Maxim, in a separate statement, said it engages only in delivery services.

The supposed colorum TNVS firms are operating in different areas across the country, Guadiz said. These companies have no office in Manila and all their transaction are made online, he added

Guadiz said the LTFRB has coordinated with Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to ban their applications.

The Philippine National Police - Highway Patrol Group (HPG) was also tasked to investigate and conduct a “manhunt” against the illegal ride hailing service companies, he added.

He urged the drivers of the two TNVS to stop their operations or face arrest.

InDrive said it is currently conducting a market research to determine the suitability of its unique ride-hailing model for Filipino consumers.

"The market research is an imperative standard practice for the company as it will allow us to make an informed decision before we proceed with a full-fledged launch in any country," it said.

It added after securing its compliance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Bureau of Internal Revenue, both in the latter part of 2022, it has also met the requirements duly-established by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and consequently filed its application to be a duly-accredited Transportation Network Company.

In a statement, Maxim clarified it does not provide car transportation services, and is mainly engaged in delivery.

However, the company said it seeks to "expand the range of its services in accordance with user needs and to increase citizens' mobility."

"The company is actively working on launching a rate for car rides. In order to carry out this activity, the company applied for accreditation as a TNC  (Transport Network Corp.) with the LTFRB on December 2, 2022. The state fee had been paid in advance," it said.

The company said the the application for the necessary license is under consideration by the regulatory authority.—With Richa Noriega/Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News