No fare hike in new LRT ticket scheme

There will be no increase in fares of the Light Rail Transit (LRT I) once a new and modern fare collection system is implemented starting Sept. 9.

Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Administrator Teodoro Cruz said the use of magnetic cards to replace the token-based system will enable the LRT line from Monumento in Caloocan City to Baclaran in Parañaque City to keep pace with current technological trends while allowing more affordable distance-related fares for passengers.

"The introduction of this new system is in line with the LRTA’s commitment to modernize and upgrade its services for the benefit of the riding public," Cruz said.

Officially called the Automated Fare Collection System, or AFCS, the scheme will replace the existing token-based fare collection system. It will use plastic recyclable magnetic cards or tickets as the fare medium.

"The tickets will allow passengers to enter and exit the LRT I network through automated gates that directly control passenger movement. Entry and exit can be automatically controlled unlike the token system where only the entry of passengers is controlled," Cruz said.

For now, he said, only two types of tickets will be used: single journey worth P2 or P12, valid only on the day of purchase; and stored value tickets worth P120 intended for multiple trips.

"The adoption of credit-sized tickets will allow for a variable fare structure that is distance related, meaning the fare to be charged depends on the actual distance a passenger has traveled," he said. "As such, riders will enjoy a more equitable and affordable fare – a significant feature of the AFCS that cannot be duplicated by the token system that relies on a flat rate structure."

He noted other benefits that could be derived from the AFCS, namely: less overcrowding and congestion; convenience; less incidence of fraud; generation of more reliable and accurate statistics; and easy upgrade to more advanced technology such as the contact-less "smart cards."

The LRTA chief said further announcements on how to use the AFCS will be relayed through print and broadcast media.