Palace: Suspension of LRT fare hike may not be possible due to contract

File photo of Light Rail Transit line 1 INQUIRER / EDWIN BACASMAS

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday said it may not be possible to suspend the looming fare hike for Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) as it may violate the government’s existing contract with the railway’s operator.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said this amid calls to suspend the LRT-1 fare hike due to its impact on commuters.

READ: Bayan Muna urges gov’t to suspend LRT-1 fare hike

“Gustuhin man ng administrasyon na hindi muna ito maituloy, pero ‘yan po kasi ang nakasaad sa kontrata…matagal na po dapat nagtaas ang presyo, pero hinohold ito para sa ating commuters,” said Castro in a Palace press conference, when asked

(Even if the administration wishes to suspend it, that’s already what the contract stipulates… the price should have been increased a long time ago, but it’s being delayed for the benefit of our commuters.)

“Tignan din po natin ang sitwasyon—kapag kasama po ito sa kontrata at hindi natupad ng gobyerno, mas magkakaroon ng malaking problema ang ating mga commuters,” she added.

(We should also consider the situation—if this is part of the contract and the government fails to fulfill it, our commuters will face even bigger problems.)

Set to be implemented on April 2, the maximum fare for a single journey ticket in LRT-1 will increase from P45 to P55, while the minimum fare will rise from P15 to P20.

READ: LRT-1 fare hike approved, to take effect April 2

Meanwhile, the maximum fare for a stored value card will go up from P43 to P52, while the minimum fare will increase from P15 to P16.