Recto: Use fare hike income to fund MRT rehab

MANILA, Philippines - The Metro Rail Transit (MRT) should use its fare hike income to fund repairs, Sen. Ralph Recto said on Wednesday.

The senator stressed that there is no reason not to procure handrail straps, which would prevent passengers from "falling like dominoes" once the trains suddenly stop.

Recent reports stated that the MRT came to an abrupt stop last Tuesday, causing passengers to fall when safety handrails broke due to the impact of the train's brake.

"Kung band-aid solusyon lang tulad ng hand straps ay mahirap mailagay, paano pa kaya kung mga bagon at riles na ang pag-uusapan?" Recto asked.

According to Recto, the MRT is still set to buy handstraps, which was already listed in its procurement program last year.

The senator suggested that the MRT should source funds for repair materials from its farebox income as stated in the 2015 national budget.

"It says in one of the provisions of RA 10751 that administrative costs, maintenance fees and special repairs shall be principally funded out of passenger fares," Recto added.

Recto noted that the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) promised better MRT services upon the announcement of fare hikes.

The MRT is expecting to earn an additional P1.1 billion a year from the fare hikes it imposed last January 4. The base fare was increased from P10 to P11 with an additional P1 per kilometer.

On the other hand, the government granted P7.23 billion subsidy to the MRT for this year. The Unprogrammed Fund section of the 2015 national budget, which amounts to P18.4 billion, may also be tapped for MRT rehabilitation.

"Tapos hand straps lang hindi natin mailagay kaagad? Akala ko ba increased government spending na tayo? Akala ko ba budget-as-release document na tayo? Akala ko ba anticipated bidding na tayo para start of the year roll out na?" Recto said.

According to Recto, the DOTC has 18 MRT rehabilitation projects lined up from 2014 to 2016.