By Alec Go
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Tuesday, April 11, that it will defer the implementation of the approved fare hike increase for Light Rail Transit 1 (LRT-1) and LRT-2.
DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said this follows the postponement directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. “pending a thorough study on the economic impact” of the hike to commuters.
“In compliance with the President’s instruction, we will thoroughly study how a fare hike today will impact on passengers of our three rail lines in Metro Manila,” Bautista said.
The official said the fare increase for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will also be deferred “due to infirmities in complying with the requirements and procedure.”
Earlier, the DOTr said it has agreed to raise LRT-1 and LRT-2 minimum fares by P2.29 and by P0.21 for each kilometer.
“The fare increase will enable the two rail lines [LRT-1 and LRT-2] to improve their services, facilities and technical capabilities,” Bautista said.
“The fare adjustment will help sustain the two commuter rail lines’ affordable mass transport services,” he added.
The DOTr noted that the last increases for LRT-2 and LRT-3 were in 2015, while attempts for the LRT-1 fare hike were deferred.
Bautista said LRT-1 operator Light Rail Manila Corporation can apply for fare adjustments “of at least 10.25% every two years after the effectivity of the contract.” – gb
