DOTr approves fare hikes for LRT lines 1 and 2 but defers implementation

The Light Rail Transit 1. (File photo from the Philippine Daiily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday approved a P2.29 fare hike for the boarding fares of Light Rail Transit Line 1 and 2, as well as a P0.21 hike to the rail lines’ distance fare.

However, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, in a press briefing, said that the implementation of the fare increases had been deferred “pending a thorough study on the economic impact” to commuters in compliance with an instruction from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

When asked how long the DOTr will defer the new fare’s implementation, Bautista said that it might take a few months.

“We will work with the NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority) on this, and after that, report to the LRTA board, so siguro (maybe) it will take a few months,” said Bautista.

Based on the newly approved fare, the boarding fares for LRT-1 and 2 will increase to P13.29, while the distance fare will increase to P1.21 per kilometer.

With this, the adjusted minimum and maximum fare for single journey tickets in LRT-1 will be P15 and P35, respectively, while stored value cards will be P14 and P35.

On the other hand, the new minimum and maximum fare for single journey tickets in LRT-2 will likewise become P15 and P35, while stored value cards will be a minimum of P14 and a maximum of P33.

“The fare increase will enable the two rail lines [LRT-1 and LRT-2] to improve their services, facilities, and technical capabilities,” said Bautista.

“The fare adjustment will help sustain the two commuter rail lines’ affordable mass transport services,” he added.

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