Why 19 platforms can't fix Manila's ride-hailing crisis

For commuter advocates, the surge in demand is primarily due to the “large shortfall and low quality of service of our public transport system,” according to Reycel Hyacinth Bendaña, national coordinator at Move As One Coalition.

- By HEAVEN GRACE PERALTA

“TNVS fills critical gaps where public transport is either unreliable or completely absent, such as late at night, in first-and-last-mile travel, and on routes where buses, jeepneys or trains do not frequently pass. TNVS offers a safer and more accessible option for pregnant women, persons with disabilities, elderly commuters and individuals with health or safety concerns who would otherwise have to endure our overcrowded, unpredictable and physically demanding commute system,” she said in an emailed response.

The group asserts that the new TNVS platforms merely redistribute existing demand and that “competition alone cannot make TNVS more affordable or efficient” without proper integration with public transport.

“The long-term solution must still be a public transport system that is safe, reliable and accessible for all, whether you are disabled, elderly or sick,” Bendaña added.