LRT, MRT fare hike may follow increases in energy, oil, other transport costs

Both the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) are eyeing a fare increase, amidst other hikes in electricity, oil, and public utility vehicle transport fares. In a report on 24 Oras on Thursday, the light rail firms explained during the first round of public consultations that their fare hike was long overdue. They reminded the public that they were operating at a loss, with the government subsidizing power supply expenses, repairs, and employee salaries. If the fare increases are approved, LRT-1 passengers will pay P4.70 more, LRT-2 passengers pay P5.60 more, and the MRT-3 passengers have an increase of P7.92. While no date was set for the fare hike, groups have started to protest against it. On Thursday, commuter group Riles Network protested outside the LRT-2 depo in Santolan. "Bakit ngayon, patapos na ang taon, ang daming problema ng ating mga kabababayan, nagtataasan ang presyo ng gasolina, LPG, kuryente, gusto pang dumagdag ng DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications) at itaas ang singil sa pasahe ng MRT at LRT," said Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes. Last Wednesday, several transport groups petitioned for a P2 fare increase before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. The hike was in response to the oil price increase announced in November. Making matters worse is a major energy price hike by the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), caused by the maintenance shutdown of the Malampaya gas line. To ease the shock of the increase, Meralco proposed to implement the hike in staggered amounts, with the hike lasting only until February. — Rie Takumi/DVM, GMA News