On asking for LRT-1 fare hike, operator says ‘wala na ho kinikita’

The Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) reiterated its call for an increase in Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) fares because the company is losing money.

LRMC President and CEO Juan Alfonso on Monday said, “Interest and everything, halos wala na ho kinikita [ang kumpanya]. In terms of ‘yung sa cash flow po namin, ganon po ‘yung nangyayari,” Alfonso said in an interview over radio dzBB.

Last May, the LRMC submitted a petition before the Department of Transportation, seeking a hike of P5 to P7 by August this year.

Currently, the fare for LRT-1 ranges from P15 to P30 per trip, depending on the destination. If approved, the maximum fare for the LRT-1 could reach P37 per trip.

READ: LRT-1 operator asks DOTr for P5 to P7 fare increase

Alfonso also pointed out that it has been four years since the last LRT-1 fare hike.

“For four years na ho, wala kaming rate increase. Nag-increase ho bago pa na-privatize ‘yung LRMC. Nung naging LRMC na po, wala pa po kaming fare increase,” Alfonso said.

Under the agreement between the government and LRMC, the railway management is allowed to raise its fares every two years.

Meanwhile, another 5 percent increase will be imposed once is Cavite line extension was finally completed.

LRMC Operations Director Rodrigo Bulario said preparations for the extension project will start by October 2018.  /vvp

READ: Prep for LRT-1 extension to start in October 2018