Announcement of train fare hike sparks demand for improvements

MANILA, Philippines - Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya’s announcement that train fares will increase in August and in 2014 has sparked demands for his department to improve services to the riding public and make the fare hike acceptable.

While some lawmakers are threatening to block the increase in fares for Metro Rail Transit 3 and Light Rail Transits 1 and 2, there are groups who agree with the increase if it will mean more train coaches to avoid overcrowding of passengers, and better comfort rooms, among other basic needs.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over radio dzRB yesterday that they were really looking into the improvement of train services but the procurement of train coaches, for instance, could not be done in haste.

Valte said the government had studied several options and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) was now considering getting brand new coaches.

“But their procurement is not something as simple as going to a store and buying the actual train. They are still discussing the prototype and Secretary Abaya has given a timetable as to when the additional coaches, at least for the MRT would arrive,” Valte said.

Aside from overcrowding in train stations and inside the coaches, there are also complaints on escalators and elevators that were not functioning and ineffective public announcement system.

“We’ve had several reports of these problems... and we pass them on to Secretary Abaya mainly to make an action,” Valte said.

Abaya said the increase in fares was long overdue but this would only be P10 and would be done in two tranches – P5 in August and another P5 next year.

He said the government had been heavily subsidizing the train operations because plans to raise fares have always been met with opposition.

The Aquino administration has been under pressure to improve the country’s transportation system, airports and ports.

Abaya has announced that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 will be rehabilitated with the team of world renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue back on board to beautify the facility.