Starting April 2, commuters taking the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) will have to pay higher fares after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) approved a fare increase petition filed by its operator, Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC).
The LRMC announced the fare adjustment yesterday, stating that the minimum fare for single journey tickets will rise to P20 from the current P15. For stored value card users, the fare for an end-to-end trip will increase to P52 from P43, while single journey ticket holders will pay P55, up from P45.
This fare hike means that commuters traveling between Fernando Poe Jr. station in Quezon City and Dr. Santos station in Parañaque City five times a week will need to shell out an additional P400 monthly for their transportation costs.
According to the DOTr, the approved fare structure consists of a P16.25 boarding fee and a distance-based charge of P1.47 per kilometer. The approved rates are lower than what LRMC initially petitioned for.
Loading...
LRMC Cites Need for Investments
LRMC president and chief executive officer Enrico Benipayo emphasized the necessity of the fare adjustment to sustain the operations and maintenance of the rail line.
“Public transport is a service that requires continuous investments in maintenance, upgrades, and expansion. Countries with world-class transport systems such as Singapore and Japan adjust fares regularly to keep services efficient and safe,” Benipayo explained.
This is only the second fare hike approved in the last 10 years, despite LRMC being permitted under its concession agreement to propose increases every two years. Petitions for fare hikes were previously denied in 2016, 2018, and 2020.
The DOTr has instructed LRMC to publish the updated fare matrix in a newspaper of general circulation at least once a week for three consecutive weeks. The publication should also specify the date when the new fares will take effect.
Opposition from Bayan
The militant group Bayan has condemned the fare increase and called on the government to reassess the LRMC's concession agreement, particularly the clause that guarantees fare adjustments every two years.
“This fare hike is an added burden for commuters already struggling with the rising cost of living. The government must prioritize public welfare and review the concession terms to prevent fare increases that disproportionately impact ordinary workers and students,” Bayan said in a statement.
Jeepney Fare Hike Also Under Review
In addition to the LRT-1 fare adjustment, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to begin deliberations today on a proposed jeepney fare hike. Transport groups, including Pasang Masda and the Liga ng Transportasyon at mga Operators sa Pilipinas, have revived their 2022 petition to increase the minimum fare to P15 from the current P13, citing rising fuel costs.
However, Passenger Forum convenor Primo Morillo opposes the fare hike, urging the government to suspend the excise tax on diesel instead of raising fares.
“Increasing fares amid soaring fuel prices will only worsen the financial strain on commuters. The government should explore alternative solutions, such as suspending fuel excise taxes, to alleviate the transport sector's challenges without burdening passengers,” Morillo said.
As commuters brace for higher costs on both rail and road transport, many hope for government measures to ease the financial impact of these adjustments while ensuring safe and reliable public transportation services.
Maki-balita sa Philippines Today sa Facebook, Twitter, Instagram at YouTube!
0 Mga Komento