Passengers are to expect increased fares starting August 2 as the DOTr approves fare hikes across the LRT network. Photo courtesy of CNN.
Following the approval of the implementation of increased fares for Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines 1 and 2 by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the minimum fare for both rail lines will go up by P2.29 beginning August 2.
With this, the base boarding fees for LRT 1 and 2 will climb from P11 to P13.29 and from P1 to P1.21 for each kilometer traveled.
An end-to-end ride on the LRT-1 (Baclaran to Roosevelt) will now cost P35 for those with single-journey tickets (SJTs) and P33 for those with stored-value cards (SVCs). Prices are currently P29 and P30, accordingly.
Meanwhile, LRT-2 passengers with single-journey tickets SJTs are required to spend P35 for end-to-end travel (Recto to Antipolo), whereas those with SVCs will have to pay P33. The present fare rates are P30 and P28, respectively
On April 11, President Marcos Jr. initially signaled the DOTr to postpone the fare adjustments and reconsider its economic impact. However, when a Cabinet meeting took place on June 6, the president claimed that the overall inflation rate dropped from 6.6 to 6.1 percent and the country’s employment figures had been strengthened.
DOTr Assistant Secretary Jorjette Aquino noted the fare adjustments would boost the services, facilities, and technological capabilities of LRT-1 and LRT-2 as the government aims to improve the efficiency and accessibility of public transport infrastructure.
“We at the DOTr believe that this fare adjustment will contribute to maintaining affordable mass transportation services for the two commuter train lines,” Aquino said.
With said adjustments taking effect, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) plans to set aside approximately P110 million, or 97 percent of the anticipated P114 million in additional rail revenues, for maintenance of systems and facilities and operating costs.
“This will improve the turnaround time of equipment and ensure timely preventive maintenance activities for optimal performance”, Aquino added.
The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) management has also petitioned for a fare increase of P2.29 boarding fee, and P0.21 per kilometer traveled.
The last time the two light rail transit systems enforced a raise in fare prices was in January 2015.