LTFRB allows TNVS to charge for pickup distance starting Dec 20

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will allow Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) to charge passengers for the distance to their pickup point starting December 20.

This new policy reverses the previous rule where passengers were only charged for the distance from their pickup point to their destination.

LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza stated that this adjustment is a justified solution to mitigate the impact of a 50 percent reduction in surge pricing on TNVS drivers.

The pickup fare system will be restricted to a five-kilometer radius and will vary based on vehicle type, ranging from P24 to P289.

According to LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2025-058 dated Dec. 17, the distance between the driver's booking acceptance location and the passenger's pickup point will now be included as a "chargeable distance".

Both the pickup fare system and the surge pricing cap will be in effect from Dec. 20 to Jan. 4 only.

Commuters 4 Change (C4C) warned that TNVS fares might increase due to this new policy, calling it a band-aid solution and urging the LTFRB to add more transport network companies to prevent industry monopolization.