Opening of new TNVS slots this year to make ride-hailing more affordable

THE roads had been crazy during the holiday season, especially with malls extending their operating hours and attracting customers with numerous sales, and many people going out to party with friends and loved ones. 

Booking a ride was also an ordeal that many had to deal with. 

But this year, there will be more vehicles available for those who want to book a ride with Grab.

Grab Philippines said it welcomes the decision of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to open 4,000 transport network vehicle service (TNVS) slots as this would improve the experience of its customers. 

Grab Philippines country head Grace Vera Cruz said the opening of new slots would make the “ride-hailing experience much better and more affordable.”

Now that the Philippine economy has fully reopened, “the urgent need for safe, reliable, accessible means of transportation is front and center,” Vera Cruz said in a year-end message sent to Grab users. 

“This is a shared responsibility between the regulators, transport companies, and other partners in government,” she added.

She also noted that there is much to be done to improve mobility in the country and said Grab would like to take part in developing solutions for this issue. 

“Our teams are working tirelessly to help address our current transport situation, but we cannot do this alone,” said the Grab Philippines chief.

She said Grab’s partners in government “play a vital role in our ability to onboard more drivers making safe, reliable, and more accessible means of transportation possible for you and many Filipinos.”

Vera Cruz also thanked the users of its app, which also offers delivery aside from ride-hailing services. 

She said the Grab users were able to support entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium enterprises. 

“Every time you use Grab to book a ride, order food and essentials, or pay cashless, you are creating a positive impact on the lives and livelihoods of many Filipinos while playing a vital role in driving the Philippines and Southeast Asia forward,” she said.

She said Grab would reach out to more consumers and provide more livelihood opportunities in key areas outside of Greater Metro Manila. 

Grab sees increased economic activity in key cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, as well as an uptick in local and international tourism, she said.