LTFRB Revives Fixed TNVS Pick-Up Fares Amid Cost Concerns

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Sunday said it has revived the implementation of fixed pick-up fares for Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) units over concerns about the sector’s operating costs. According to LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza II, the revival of LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2025-058 aims to serve as a “middle ground” in response to complaints from both the TNVS sector and passengers. The circular provides for fixed pick-up fare rates following issues raised by commuters over unauthorized pick-up charges. READ: LTFRB revises TNVS fare rules ahead of surge pricing cap “While commuters’ welfare is a priority, part of our mandate is also to ensure that the concerns of those in the public transportation sector are heard. In this case, the revival of the pick-up fare implementation will serve both ends,” Mendoza said in a press release. The circular, dated Dec. 17 last year, allowed ride-hailing services to charge passengers once a booking is accepted instead of from the pickup point. The LTFRB noted the operational challenges faced by TNVS drivers in configuring the platform and dealing with traffic in Metro Manila. The circular was effective from Dec. 20, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026, during the holiday season. The circular provides the following fixed pick-up fare rates: Under the agency’s new Memorandum Circular 2026-059, the revival of the earlier circular was deemed reasonable “to prevent service shortages, ensure the availability of rides across all areas, and protect the riding public from unauthorized or improvised pick-up charges.” READ: LTFRB sets price cap on online booking fees for taxis The agency also noted that reviving the fixed pick-up rate prevents the collection of pick-up fares beyond the five-kilometer radius. It added that Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) are not allowed to collect any share or service fee from the pick-up fare. “TNCs are directed to limit the matching radius to five (5) kilometers to minimize passenger waiting time and operational costs. No pick-up fare beyond the five (5)-kilometer radius amounts above shall be imposed or collected,” the circular read. The circular also instructed TNCs to: /mcm