Commuters may soon face higher fares for riding the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) as early as April, pending government approval of a petition filed by the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), the operator of the transit system.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has 30 days from the recent public hearing to deliberate on the fare adjustment petition, Transportation Assistant Secretary Jorjette Aquino confirmed in a statement to reporters. If approved, the fare increase will introduce a higher rate matrix across short, mid, and long-distance travel on the LRT-1.
How Soon Could the Fare Hike Take Effect?
According to Aquino, April is the earliest month that the LRMC could enforce the fare increase. However, this timeline depends on several factors, including the issuance of public notices and potential appeals.
Under the procedure outlined by Aquino, the LRMC must publish a notice of the fare adjustment in a widely circulated newspaper for three consecutive weeks. Following this, the operator will wait an additional 30 days to give commuters ample time to learn about the upcoming changes.
The process could take longer if a motion for reconsideration is filed by opposing groups, extending the decision-making period.
“The DOTr is weighing the impact of the proposed fare hike on transport affordability,” Aquino said, adding that the government retains the right to deny the petition should it prove detrimental to commuters, particularly low-income workers.
Proposed Fare Increase: What’s at Stake?
If approved, the fare hike would lead to an average increase of:
- ₱6.02 for mid-distance travel,
- ₱8.65 for short distances, and
- ₱12.50 for long-distance commutes.
While these adjustments may seem modest at first glance, they carry significant financial implications for daily commuters. For instance, workers who take two LRT-1 rides daily could see their transport costs rise by approximately ₱520 per month, assuming a 26-day work schedule.
The Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), a labor group, has expressed its strong opposition to the fare adjustment. “An increase of ₱10 per trip is already burdensome for low-income workers. This hike will hurt their pockets even more,” said Jerome Adonis, KMU Secretary General, during the public hearing.
Why Is LRMC Pushing for the Fare Increase?
LRMC President and General Manager Enrico Benipayo defended the fare hike, emphasizing the need for the additional revenue to sustain LRT-1 operations. Since assuming control of the line in 2014, LRMC has been permitted to adjust fares only once, despite its concession agreement allowing rate hikes every two years.
Benipayo revealed that the company has accumulated a ₱2.17 billion fare deficit since its first petition for a fare hike in 2016. “We need to bridge this gap to ensure the continued maintenance and operation of the LRT-1,” he said.
Public Outrage and Rising Concerns
The proposed fare hike has sparked outrage among commuters and advocacy groups. Critics argue that the timing of the petition is tone-deaf, given the rising cost of living and the economic struggles many Filipino families are facing.
Former Bayan Muna Representative Ferdinand Gaite called the proposal “heartless and unconscionable,” pointing to a recent survey that shows 63% of Filipino families self-identifying as poor, a 21-year high.
“The LRMC’s timing could not be more callous. They’re seeking fare hikes of up to ₱12.50 per ride when many families are barely making ends meet,” Gaite said.
Labor groups have also questioned whether the fare hike aligns with public service principles, arguing that transport affordability should take precedence over private profit.
Anakbayan Opposes LRT-1 Fare Hike
Anakbayan has voiced strong opposition to the proposed P15.00 fare hike for LRT-1, highlighting the burden it places on youth commuters.
They argue that public transportation should remain accessible and not be driven by profit motives.
The group points out that the fare increase adds to the financial struggles of students already facing high tuition fees and underfunded state universities.
They criticize LRMC for prioritizing profits over the welfare of commuters and workers.
Anakbayan calls on the government to invest more in public transportation and national industries instead of relying on privatization.
The Road Ahead
The DOTr’s decision on the fare hike petition is expected to set the tone for the future of mass transit affordability. On one hand, LRMC insists that the increase is necessary to maintain the quality of service and safety standards for the LRT-1. On the other hand, commuters and labor groups warn that the proposed rates may exacerbate financial burdens for the working class.
If the DOTr endorses the fare hike, LRMC will face the responsibility of ensuring transparency and public awareness through the required notices. For now, commuters are left in limbo, anxiously awaiting the government’s decision.
Will the fare increase proceed? Or will public outcry sway the government to reject the petition? The coming weeks will be crucial for the millions of commuters who rely on the LRT-1 daily.
Video: Dagdag-singil sa pamasahe sa LRT1
The LRT1 fare hike petition could lead to a P15.00 increase in ticket prices if approved.
Several groups are urging authorities not to implement this fare hike alongside other rising costs of goods.
They argue that the simultaneous increase would burden commuters even more.
The petition has sparked a debate on the timing and necessity of the fare adjustment.
Commuters and advocacy groups are closely watching the decision.