DOTR: LRT-1 fare hike needed for Cavite rail extension

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) underscored the importance of the fare hike of the Light Railway Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), which takes effect on Wednesday, particularly for the completion of the Cavite rail extension. IMAGE: Daniella Marie Agacer

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) underscored the importance of the fare hike of the Light Railway Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), which takes effect on Wednesday, particularly for the completion of the Cavite rail extension.

“This rate increase is needed to not only ensure smooth and timely maintenance of LRT-1 but also the extension of the line all the way to Cavite under the present PPP contract,” the DOTr said in a statement on Tuesday.

The statement was issued after certain parties sought the suspension of the fare increase.

In November 2024, the Cavite extension was opened for commercial use with its five new stations on Redemptorist and MIA Roads, in PITX, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, and Dr. Santos in Sucat.

More stops will be added in Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Bacoor, Cavite, which is expected to be operational by 2031.

“The fare adjustment is long overdue and is necessary to ensure the operational viability of the rail line and sustain its necessary upgrades for the benefit of the commuting public,” the department explained.

The railway’s fare hike is set to be implemented on Wednesday with the maximum fare for single-journey tickets increasing from P45 to P55, while the minimum fare will go from P15 to P20.

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

The fare hike is lower than what was originally proposed by the Light Rail Management Corporation. — Keith Irish Margareth Clores, INQUIRER.net intern