The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved the opening of 8,750 slots for Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) in Metro Manila, the Ilocos Region, and Bicol to address the growing demand for public transportation amid expanding economic, commercial, and tourism activities.
The largest allocation will go to Metro Manila, with 7,500 slots, which will be offered exclusively to electric vehicles (EVs). The move is intended to support the increasing mobility needs of passengers in the National Capital Region while promoting cleaner and more sustainable public transportation.
Acting LTFRB Chairman Atty. Greg G. Pua Jr. said the Metro Manila slots will be open to battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, while conventional internal combustion engine vehicles and other types of hybrids will not be included.
Pua said the policy is aligned with the government's push for a more modern and environment-friendly public transport system, as well as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s goal of having half of the country's vehicles powered by electricity by 2040.
Meanwhile, the LTFRB approved 650 slots for the Ilocos Region and 600 slots for Bicol, with half of the slots in each region allocated for electric vehicles.
Within the Ilocos Region, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union will each receive 150 slots, while Pangasinan will have 200 slots.
The LTFRB said its studies found that the existing number of TNVS units is no longer sufficient to meet passenger demand, particularly with the continued expansion of commercial centers and tourism destinations.
Applications for the newly opened slots will begin once the corresponding memorandum circular is officially published.
The additional TNVS slots are expected to expand ride-hailing options for commuters while advancing the government's efforts to promote a more sustainable and modern public transportation system.
