The newly launched centralized hub for Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 has been met with strong criticism, with many labeling the scheme as anti-poor and exclusionary. Implemented by the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) in December 2024, the facility aims to address curbside congestion. However, its execution has highlighted glaring shortcomings that disproportionately impact commuters, particularly those from lower-income groups.
The hub, located within the multi-level parking building at Terminal 3, includes 401 parking slots, 18 loading bays, and dedicated booking lounges. While it was designed to streamline TNVS operations, the scheme has inadvertently restricted transportation options for many. Social media posts monitored by AvGeek Philippines reveal widespread frustration, with commuters lamenting that alternatives such as jeepneys and buses are not accessible from the terminal. This leaves non-TNVS users with virtually no choices for affordable transportation.
Moreover, the policy prohibits passengers from booking TNVS vehicles from the Departure level of Terminal 3. Previously, this was a workaround for those who wanted to avoid the crowds and hassle of designated pick-up points. Now, with the centralized hub in place, such flexibility has been eliminated, forcing all TNVS operations into a single, less convenient location.
The limitations of the new scheme are particularly glaring for individuals who visit the terminal but are not actual passengers. These include well-wishers, future passengers handling airline-related transactions, and airport employees. For these groups, the lack of accessible and affordable transportation options creates significant challenges.
Compounding the issue is the increasing frequency of canceled bookings by TNVS drivers. Many drivers refuse rides due to the additional time and effort required to navigate to the centralized pick-up area. The traffic outside Terminal 3, which has worsened since the scheme’s implementation, has been a significant deterrent for drivers. As a result, passengers are often left stranded, with no practical alternatives to reach their destinations.
Families with heavy luggage, elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities face even greater difficulties under the new system. The added distance to the pick-up point and the absence of affordable transportation alternatives place undue burdens on these vulnerable groups. Critics argue that the centralized hub caters to those who can afford premium services, sidelining those who rely on public transport or more affordable options.
The timing of the rollout has further fueled public discontent. Launched during the peak holiday travel season, the scheme has caused confusion and inconvenience for many travelers and airport visitors. Critics also point out that the policy’s lack of inclusivity contradicts its goal of improving accessibility and convenience at one of the country’s busiest airports.
Public calls for a review of the system are growing louder, with suggestions to reinstate options for affordable transportation, such as jeepneys and buses, and to provide more flexible TNVS booking policies. Without significant changes, the centralized hub risks alienating a large segment of airport users, reinforcing perceptions that it prioritizes profitability over public service.