Bayan Muna seeks repeal of LRT concession deal after beep card fee increase

MANILA, Philippines — Bayan Muna party-list called for the review and repeal of Light Rail Transit (LRT) concession contracts after the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) announced that it would increase P10 more for the price of beep cards.

“Talagang nadedehado ang mamamayan sa mga agreements na pinasok ng pamahalaan mula sa tubig, kuryente at transportasyon. Dapat talagang busisiin ang mga ito at ibasura na para di na maging pabigat sa taong bayan,” Bayan Muna Rep. Ferdinand Gaite said in a statement on Friday.

[Our citizens are getting the raw deal by these government’s agreements for water, electricity and transportation. The government should look into these deals and repeal it so that it would not devastate the public.]

To recall, the LRTA said the price of stored value tickets or beep cards would increase to P30 from P20, citing that it was in compliance with concession contract between the Department of Transportation and the AF Payments Inc.

The progressive group said the price hike for issuance of beep cards was a “shocker” and a “burden” for commuters in Metro Manila amid the implementation of the third tranche of Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion.