Article by Arabella Balderama

On Monday, June 19, 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) declared that Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines one and two would administer a fare increase effective in August.

According to Jorjette Aquino, DOTr Assistant Secretary for Railways, the rate adjustment was approved by DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista after a Cabinet meeting in Malacañang last June 6.

Bautista then informed the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) about the markup on June 13.

Aquino added that the price change would improve the services, amenities, and technical capacities of LRT-1 and LRT-2, in line with the government’s agenda to improve public transport infrastructure.

“We at the Department of Transportation believe that this fare adjustment will contribute to maintaining affordable mass transportation services for the two commuter-train lines,” she stated.

The Assistant Secretary further explained that with the cost modifications, the LRTA intends to devote around PHP 110 million, or 97 percent of the estimated PHP 114 million additional revenue, for rail system maintenance and other operating expenses.

With this, the DOTr said LRT-1 and LRT-2’s minimum boarding fee would be raised from PHP 11 to PHP 13.29, and PHP 1.21 from PHP 1.00 per kilometer for every kilometer traveled.

In separate statements, the LRTA and LRMC confirmed the upcoming LRT-1 and LRT-2 fare hikes, providing the necessary fare matrices for the public’s reference.

President Bongbong Marcos originally deferred the proposal for these increases in April amid rising inflation.

Thumbnail from The Philippine Daily Inquirer