LRT, MRT fare hikes deferred

MANILA, Philippines –  The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) board of directors decided yesterday to defer the implementation of fare increases at the EDSA-bound Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and the LRT Lines 1 and 2 to allow a review of the proposed rates by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

LRTA corporate secretary and spokesman Hernando Cabrera said the board saw the need to comply with the process mandated by the LRTA charter since the proposed increase is “permanent” and not provisional in nature.

“Following our consultation with LTFRB, implementation of the approved fare adjustment will be 30 days after compliance with the publication requirements,” Cabrera said.

The LRTA earlier set the implementation of the fare hike on March 1. Cabrera declined to give a new date for the implementation of the fare hikes, but assured the public they will push through.

“It will be up to the LTFRB and how long they take to look into (the proposed rates),” he said.

Cabrera said the LRTA board did not consider the 25th celebration of the EDSA 1 revolt and a threat by cause-oriented groups to stage protests against the fare hikes today in its decision to defer the fare hikes.

Under the approved fare increase schedule, the maximum fare at the LRT Lines 1 and 2 will go up to P30 from the current rate of P15, while the maximum fare at the MRT will go up to P25 from the current rate of P15.

Cabrera said that “to cushion the impact of the fare adjustment,” students will be given a 20-percent discount when the fare hikes are implemented.