MRT3 to file fare hike petition in next two weeks

Commuters may soon have to pay higher Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) fares, as its operator is set to file a petition for a hike within the next two weeks after the announced upward adjustments in fares for the Light Rail Transit (LRT).

In a briefing, MRT3 Officer-in-Charge Oscar Bongon said the transit system is set to refile a petition to hike fares by P2.29, and the distance fare by P0.21 per kilometer.

“In the next two weeks, mag-refile ang MRT3. Thereafter, susundan natin ang proseso, until such time na mabigyan ng full approval ng [Transportation] Secretary,” Bongon said.

(The MRT3 will refile in the next two weeks, thereafter, we will follow the process until such time that it will secure the full approval of the Secretary.)

The MRT3 filed a similar petition in January, saying it had been struggling with public finances as fare revenues have not been enough to compensate for the investment in building the facility, maintenance, and operations of the line.

Its expenses reached P8.969 billion as of November 2022, while the total revenue stood at P1.107 billion reflecting a deficit of P7.861 billion or P88.34 government subsidy per passenger.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) earlier on Monday announced the upward adjustments in the fares of the Light Rail Transit (LRT), to take effect August 2, citing the country’s macroeconomic conditions.

“Gagamitin ang increase para ma-improve ang services para sa ating mga pasahero, magkaroon ng timely maintenance, system services, at facilities, ma-improve further ang mga communications, signaling system, and kung ano pa ang iba pang kailangan para maging mas komportable at accessible ang ating MRT at LRT sa ating mga pasahero,” Assistant Secretary for Railways Jorjette Aquino said in the same briefing.

(The increase will be used to improve services for the passengers, to have timely maintenance, system services, and facilities, to improve further the communications, signaling system, and other needs for the MRT and the LRT to be more comfortable and accessible for the passengers.) — BM, GMA Integrated News