MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Grace Poe yesterday suggested the possibility of creating business class coaches for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).
“Ewan ko if this is something that you would consider. Habang ginagawa nyo ang (While you are fixing the) Dalian trains, baka daw few or specific coaches that are designated business class?” Poe asked officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) during the Senate hearing of the department’s budget for 2020.
Passengers in these premium coaches may be charged P200 to P300 per ride, she added.
Poe was quick to clarify that the proposed measure is not discriminatory against the poor, but the reality is that some people are willing to pay more for better services.
She said the proposed measure is similar to the setup in airplanes, with different rates for front, business class and regular class seats.
She said the extra income from the business class coaches could be used to help improve services in the MRT-3 and Light Rail Transit.
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said the department would consider the proposal, noting that a similar arrangement is part of the design of trains to be set up in Clark, Bicol and Mindanao.
Poe said authorities should consider every suggestion to be able to address the worsening traffic problem in Metro Manila.