Public utility vehicles or PUVs are very common in Davao, as well as the rest of the Philippines. In fact, most of the residents rely on these vehicles to commute from home to work, school, or some other destinations. For this reason, a lot of business owners are also looking to exploit this huge demand in public utility vehicles by applying for a taxi or PUV franchise.
If you would like to apply for a franchise in Davao with your vehicle, I have outlined the steps for you. This information is based on my own experience filing for a franchise on my PUJs and taxi cabs before, but you can always contact LTO for more information i.e. fees and requirements.
The most basic requirement before you can file for a taxi franchise is a taxi cab. As an entrepreneur, you can choose what car model to register for your taxi business. Also, you can pick either second-hand or brand new cars to be registered as part of your operation. Aside from the car, you will also be required to have a professional driver to operate the vehicle.
The business registration for your taxi operation is required by the LTO before you are given a franchise permit. You can go to DTI Davao for the business registration, or you can also send application online. The business registration will be completed once you have presented the Business Name registration form, Business TIN, five business names ranked according to preference, and registration fee of PhP 300. Once you have the business permit from DTI, go to LTO Davao to legalize the franchise operation.
In your application, make sure to specify if you are applying as individual, cooperative, or corporation. You will then be asked to submit any of the following requirements (depending on the type of franchise you're applying for): verified petition, TIN, official registration of the car model, Filipino citizenship documents, community tax certificate, information data sheet, CDC or passbook, DTI-issued certificate of business name, map for location of garage, two copies of 2x2 picture for operator, zoning clearance, and personal appearance of operator upon application of franchise.
Once the initial review of your franchise application has been completed, LTO might require you to comply with additional requirements. For instance, they will require you to provide insurance for your car and its driver. The taxi meters will also be thoroughly inspected before you are given the go signal to operate in Davao. Or, in some cases, LTO officials will ask you to provide proof for maintenance and repair of your taxi cabs.
You can always call LTO Davao for more information about applying for a taxi cab franchise in the city, especially if you have special concerns. Or, you can visit their website to check for updated info on fees and other requirements.
