The agency is mulling the imposition of penalties for companies that have went beyond the limit.
On Friday, May 1, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez officially halted the “onboarding” or acceptance of new drivers and riders of Transport Network Companies (TNCs) and Motorcycle Taxi Platform Providers (MTPPs).
In the memorandum, Lopez instructed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to stop the onboarding of Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) and motorcycle taxi riders, except those with valid franchises.
According to the transport chief, the decision follows the data where it was noted that some companies have exceeded their limited number of drivers and rides.
In addition, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. had previously directed the investigation into TNCs that have gone beyond the set limitation, which had resulted to “tempo drivers.
“Malinaw naman ang utos ng Pangulo, dapat umaksyon tayo kaagad para hindi malagay sa alanganin ‘yung mas marami pang drivers at riders,” noted Lopez.
Furthermore, on-the-spot and same-day onboarding activities are likewise prohibited without permission from the LTFRB.
The DOTr Secretary continued: “Nararapat lamang na gawing legal ang kanilang onboarding. Hindi na dapat magpatuloy ang maling sistema, aayusin natin ito kaagad.”
Possible fines for TNC at MTPP are also being studied for those that will be proven to have violated the onboarding limits set for TNVS and motorycle taxis.