DOTC: No fare increase this December

Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza assured the public yesterday that there would be no transport fare increases during the holiday season.

This includes the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT Line 1), the MRT Line 3, and the Philippine National Railways (PNR).

Moreover, he said that with the expected influx of passengers during the holidays, the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day security preparations would be replicated.

Mendoza warned that during this time, unscrupulous public transport operators may take the opportunity to charge higher fares. However, he said that the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Action Center hotline number 7-8-9-0 will be on hand to receive transport-related complaints from the public.

DOTC Spokesman Gen. Thompson Lantion added that DOTC personnel together with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will be deployed at bus terminals, seaports and airports to assist and ensure the security and safety of passengers going to their respective provinces.

The DOTC has likewise coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the deployment of policemen in transport facilities to augment the security forces manning the facilities.

Starting today DOTC Action Center personnel will be deployed inside the MRT 3 trains to augment their security personnel and ensure the safety of MRT commuters.

Lantion is appealing to the public to heed the call of Secretary Mendoza to be more patient and cooperative in the strict security checks being conducted at bus terminals, seaports, railway stations and airports.