Citing the economic hardships being experienced by Filipinos, Bataan 1st district Rep. Geraldine Roman says that the planned hike on the fare of Light Rail Transit (LRT)-1 and LRT-2 is "not appropriate".
Roman says the Palace decision to postpone the LRT fare hikes pending study is a "great relief" for Filipino commuters.
'Not appropriate' to increase LRT fare at this time, says Cong Roman
Apr 13, 2023 05:26 AM
At a glance
A train from the LRT-2 line.
Raising the fare for the Light Rail Transit (LRT)-1 and LRT-2 isn't appropriate at this time.
Thus, said Bataan 1st district Rep. Geraldine Roman as she welcomed President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s decision to defer the planned fare hikes for the two train lines in Metro Manila pending a study.
"It is not appropriate to raise fares in mass transport systems like LRT-1 and 2 because it would only add burdens to the daily budget of the commuting public, especially those who are only earning minimum wage considering the current prices of basic commodities and services," Roman said in a statement Thursday, April 13.
Referring to Malacañang's intervention that essentially staved off the fare hike, the transgender solon said, “It would be a great relief for the daily commuting public of LRT-1 and 2 because they can save some money for their children's education and other increasing expenses for the next school year."
Roman added: "Hopefully, fare increases will be put on hold until our situation gets better.”
At any rate, Roman prodded the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to balance the situation before making any changes to the existing fare rates of the two train lines.
The lady lawmaker agreed with the President's order to be cautious with the implementation of the fare hike until its economic impact on the commuters has been thoroughly studied.
"Fare hike affects most of our community, from students to the working class. Respective agencies should be very careful in implementing these changes and see if it is fair and just to the commuting public," she added.
According to DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista, the fare increase for LRT-1 and 2 has already been approved, but Marcos has halted its implementation to look at its effect on the commuters more closely.
The fare increase is set to be P2.29 for the boarding fee and P0.21 per kilometer for the two train lines. This means that the fare for LRT-1 and 2 will increase up to P14 to P35 depending on the distance of the trip.