No PNR, MRT and LRT fare hike, DOTr assures

PNR train (INQUIRER photo / RICHARD A. REYES)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) assured on Thursday that the Philippine National Railways, MRT and LRT will not impose a fare increase amid the rise in the price of oil.

“Maigting po na paalala [o] instruction ni Secretary [Arthur] Tugade na tayo po ay walang inaasahan, wala po tayong pinaplano na pagtaas pasahe sa linya po ng ating mga tren,” Transportation Undersecretary Timothy John Batan said in a Laging Handa public briefing.

(It is a strict reminder or instruction of Secretary Tugade that we do not expect or do not plan any fare hike in our train systems.)

Batan added that the DOTr recognizes the impact of rising fuel costs on commodities and its burden to consumers. Hence, fare increase is not being considered in train lines.

“Alam po natin, meron nga po tayong nangyayari ngayon na pagtaas ng presyo sa langis na maaari pong makaapekto dito sa presyuhin ng ating ibang mga bilihin kung kaya’t sinisigurado po natin na sa utos nga po ni Secretary Art Tugade na sa sektor po ng riles ay tayo po ay walang kinokonsidera na taas pasahe,” said Batan.

(We know that there is an increase in fuel prices that will affect the price of other goods that is why we guarantee, in compliance with Secretary Art Tugade’s order, that no train fare hike will considered.)

Several transport groups have been calling for increasing the minimum fare of P9 as oil costs soar.

Current local pump prices reach P84 for diesel and P94 for gasoline per liter.

gsg