DOTC seeks ‘P11 + 1’ fare hike scheme
Metro Rail and Light Rail Transit Systems. FILE PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) on Thursday presented to the public its proposed fare hike for the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 & 2 and the Metro Rail Transit III (MRT-3).
The LRT Authority (LRTA) and the MRT-3 hope to earn an additional P2.06 billion in revenues by implementing an “P11 + 1” formula where passengers will be charged P11 to board the train and P1 for every kilometer traveled.
Under the formula, the train fares will increase as follows:
LRT Line 1 Baclaran to Roosevelt: P30 from the present P20
LRT Line 2 Recto to Santolan: P25 from P15
MRT Line 3 Taft to North Avenue: P28 from P15
The DOTC said the LRTA was operating at a loss with a deficit of P4.7 billion based on 2012 financial records. Meanwhile, the MRT-3 has a budget deficit of P7.25 billion.
MRT-3 Director Renato San Jose argued that the average cost per passenger ranged from P34.74 for the LRT Lines and P53.96 for the MRT 3. He added that even if they increased the fare, it would still be cheaper compared to other means of transportation.
The consultation is ongoing. Its outcome will be presented to the LRTA Board and a recommendation will be submitted to DOTC Secretary Joseph Abaya.
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