The proposed fare increase for Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2), and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will supposedly lessen the subsidy given by the government.
This was explained by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) along with representatives from Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), MRT-3, and Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) during the public briefing on Friday, Feb 17.
From the base fare of P11, the rail services proposed a P1 to P1.21 increase per kilometer, averaging a P4.50 additional fee per ride.
DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez said he planned to submit the proposal to DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista within 10-15 days.
Groups on fare hike
However, groups have expressed disapproval of the fare hike, underlining that Congress already approved the 2023 budget.
“Because as far as we know, Congress already appropriated for this year. We didn't hear a directive from Congress to decrease the subsidy, so why the hike?" Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said.
Meanwhile, Infrawatch PH convener Terry Ridon suggested increasing government subsidies instead of increasing transportation fares.
Kabataan party list, Anakbayan, and factory workers also condemn the proposal saying that all commuters will be affected by the increase as face-to-face are again in full swing.
