Riders of Light Rail Transit’s (LRT) for both Line 1 and 2 need to shell out additional costs for their daily commute as Department of Transportation DOTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista has approved the implementation of the approved fare adjustment.

In a statement, Bautista cited the country’s improving economic growth rate and employment figures, as well as declining headline inflation rate, as the one of the main reasons behind the decision to give the LRT fare hike a go.

The decision was apparently raised by Bautista during a Cabinet meeting on June 6 and was later discussed on June 13 when the DOTr chief with Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Administrator Hernando Cabrera and Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) President and Chief Executive Officer Juan Alfonso.

There was already a petition in the past to increase the LRT fare to obtain the necessary funds for maintenance and operational costs.

President Marcos, however, directed the DOTr on April 11 to defer the fare adjustment and reassess its economic impact on the riding public should the government increase rail fares at the time.

How much?

The DOTr’s Rail Regulatory Unit (RRU) had previously approved the petitions seeking to increase the train boarding fee by P2.29 with an additional 21 centavos for every kilometer travelled at the LRT-1 and LRT-2.

With this, the LRT-1 and LRT-2’s minimum boarding fee would be adjusted to P13.29, which is originally P11, and P1.21 per kilometer for every kilometer travelled, which is originally P1 per kilometer.

LRT Line 1 travels from Baclaran in Parañaque to Monumento in Caloocan City, and vice versa route while LRT Line 2 traverses Antipolo City to Recto in Manila, and vice versa.

The LRTA and LRMC are set to publish the approved fare adjustments in at least one newspaper of general circulation for three consecutive weeks, in compliance with the rules and regulations of the RRU.

The publication dates will be on June 19, June 26 and July 3.

“After which, 30 days after the last publication date will be the collection date—August 2,” said DOTr Assistant Secretary for Railways Jorjette B. Aquino.

Improvement of services

Aquino said the fare adjustment is set to enhance the services, amenities, and technical capacities of the LRT-1 and LRT-2 in line with the government’s agenda to improve public transport infrastructure.

“We are aiming to make our rail services more accessible, convenient, and efficient for commuters,” said Aquino.

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

Aquino said the fare adjustment would pave the way for the allocation of around P110 million, which accounts for 97 percent of the projected P114 million additional rail revenues, for maintenance, operating expenses, and the much-needed repair and upkeep of crucial rail systems and facilities.

“This will improve the turnaround time of equipment and ensure timely preventive maintenance activities for optimal performance,” said Aquino.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by AARON RECUENCO

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