The Tagbilaran City local government unit is set to invite transport network vehicle service (TNVS) companies including industry leader Grab Philippines to operate in the province.
Members of the Tagbilaran Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) on Thursday approved Proposed Resolution No. 229-18 Series of 2018 authorizing Vice Mayor Toto Veloso to task a point person to carry out the initiative and marking the local government’s initial efforts to bring TNVS operations to the city and the rest of Bohol.
“Na-feel nato ang convenience aning mga service kung mo biyahe ta, naa mani sa Cebu. Usahay og mo-abot ta sa pier, di na ko mo-kuha og taxi, mag-book nalang ko daan sa akong cellphone,” said Councilor Greggy Gatal who sponsored the resolution.
The initiative will be part of efforts to improve public transportation in the province amid the opening of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport which has been perceived to alter the landscape of the province’s industry and commerce.
“The influx of tourists in our city will rapidly increase in the coming months with the establishment of the international airport in Panglao,” Gatal said in his proposed resolution.
Gatal expressed optimism that TNVS units will provide convenience to the riding public particularly tourists.
“International mani na service, so mga foreigner nakabalo na ani daan. Nakadownload na ni sa ilang cellphone. Mo-anhi sila, di na sila mahadlok ma-overcharge kay sa ilang cellphone mo gawas na daan pilay plete,” he said.
The entry of TNVS companies is also expected to provide livelihood to locals.
“Additional income pud ni sa mga taw diri sa Tagbilaran, Bohol kay mga private car owners pwede man mo-apil paregister lang sa LTFRB. Additional income pud sa ilang spare time,” Gatal said.
There is still no Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board office in Bohol however.
After acquiring competitor Uber, Grab has remained to be the country’s largest TNVS, although there are several newcomers in the ride-hailing industry, namely Hype, Owto, Micab and Hirna. (A. Dodyora)