MRT3 files petition for fare hike

The operator of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) has filed a petition to hike its fares, as it earlier cited struggles in finances as revenues have not been enough to compensate for expenses.

According to Transportation Assistant Secretary for Railways and MRT3 officer-in-charge Jorjette Aquino, the petition seeks to hike the boarding fare by P2.29 from the current P11 to P13.29, and the distance fare from P1 per kilometer to P1.21 per kilometer.

At present, the current fares have a minimum of P13 and maximum of P28.

A report by GMA Integrated News' Joseph Morong on Balitanghali quoted Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez as saying that they expect the decision on their petition to come out in two months' time.

The new petition is in line with earlier announcements made by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), after a similar petition that was filed in January was not acted upon.

The MRT3 earlier said 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 DOTr last month announced the upward adjustments in the fares of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) to take effect on August 2, citing the 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,” Aquino said then.

(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.) —KBK, GMA Integrated News