LTFRB Reinstates Fixed Pick-Up Fare Policy for TNVS

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on Sunday that it is reinstating fixed pick-up fares for Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) to address drivers' concerns over rising operating costs. This move aims to strike a balance between the concerns of TNVS drivers and commuters' complaints over unauthorized and unregulated pick-up charges. "While commuters’ welfare is a priority, part of our mandate is also to ensure that the concerns of those from the public transportation sectors are heard. In this case, the revival of the pick-up fare implementation will serve both ends," said LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II. Reinstated through LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2025-058, the policy seeks to strike a balance between the concerns of TNVS drivers and commuters' complaints over unauthorized and unregulated pick-up charges. Under the memorandum, the following fixed pick-up fares will apply: The memorandum prohibits the collection of pick-up fares beyond a five-kilometer radius and directs Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) to limit their matching radius to 5 km to minimize passenger waiting times and drivers' operating costs. "[Transportation Network Companies (TNCs)] are directed to limit the matching radius to five (5) kilometers to minimize passenger waiting time and operational costs," the memorandum read. "No Pick-Up Fare beyond the five (5)-kilometer radius amounts above shall be imposed or collected,” it added. The LTFRB said the provision is intended to prevent service shortages and ensure the availability of rides across different areas. The agency also said TNCs are prohibited from collecting any share, commission, or service fee from the pick-up fare, stressing that the scheme is intended specifically to assist TNVS drivers and that all proceeds should go directly to them. Under the memorandum, TNCs are also required to: In December 2025, the LTFRB temporarily implemented fixed pick-up fares during the Christmas season, with the policy remaining in effect until the first few days of January. The measure was intended to balance passenger protection with fair compensation for drivers amid heavy holiday traffic.