Beginning August 2, 2023, the rail lines LRT-1 and LRT-2 will be charging commuters higher fees, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Speaking on the cause for the fare hike, DOTr Assistant Secretary for Railways Jorjette Aquino said that the fare adjustment is pivotal in enhancing the amenities, services, and technical scope of LRT-1 and LRT-2.
With about Php110 million funds needed for the operating expenses, maintenance, repair, and upkeep of critical rail systems and facilities, 97 percent of the projected Php114 million additional rail income will be spent arising from the price adjustment by the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), per Aquino.
Part of the big-budget move is to boost the turnaround time of equipment and guarantee the implementation of a timely preventive maintenance undertaking for the system’s optimal performance.
In the run-up to the price hike, DOTr’s Rail Regulatory Unit had formerly given a green light to petitions demanding an increment to the boarding fee by Php2.29, with a further increase of Php0.21 per every kilometer traveled while onboard LRT-1 or LRT-2.
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With the price increase to be set into motion, consumers are expected to pay a minimum boarding fee of Php13.29 (from Php11) and Php1.21 per kilometer (from Php1) when traveling via LRT-1 or LRT-2.
Backed by the higher-up, the price adjustment came with the approval of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista concordant to a Cabinet meeting that took place in Malacanang on June 6, per Aquino.
Consequently, on June 13, a meeting between Bautista and Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) President and Chief Executive Officer Juan Alfonso, as well as Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Administrator Hernando Cabrera, began with the purpose of informing about the green-lit price increase.