Manila, Philippines – The Bayan Muna group condemned the petition of Light Rail Transit (LRT) seeking to increase fare hike.
Former Bayan Muna Representative Ferdinand Gaite called the petition filed by the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) to raise LRT fares as heartless and unconscionable.
In the LRMC petition – P8.65 increase on Short-Distance Trip; P6.02 for Mid-distance trips; P12.50 for long-distance trips.
In total, the maximum fare in LRT will be P45 to P60.
According to Gaite, this serves as an additional burden for public because more than half of the Filipino population is struggling to meet their daily expenses.
The former lawmaker called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to reject the LRMC petition while urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to make public service a priority compared to the profits of big companies.
According to DOTr Official the LRTA has approved the LRT fare increase proposal, but the DOTr Rail Regulatory Unit has not yet approached the petition.
It is expected that the RRU will release its decision next month and it is scheduled for April that the LRT fare increase can be implemented.