'Pahirap': Makabayan solon reacts to looming LRT fare hike
ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro (Facebook)
An additional burden to Filipino commuters. That's how Makabayan solon ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro described the impending fare hikes on Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) and LRT Line 2 (LRT-2). "Commuters are still reeling from the high prices of goods and services due to inflation, and they do not even feel that inflation is slowing down with their low wages. The proposed fare hike for LRT 1 and 2 will only add to their burden," Castro said in a statement Tuesday, June 20. "We cannot allow public transportation to become a luxury that only a few can afford," added Castro, a deputy minority leader in the House of Representatives. According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), LRT-1 and LRT-2’s minimum boarding fee would be hiked to P13.29 from P11, while the add on for every kilometer traveled will be raised to P1.21 from P1 per kilometer). That's a 21% increase in base fare, which according to Castro is steep for many commuters. DOTr Assistant Secretary for Railways Jorjette Aquino announced that fare adjustments for LRT-1 and LRT-2 will begin on Aug. 2. She urged the DOTr to reconsider the proposed fare hike and instead look for alternative solutions that will improve the quality of public transportation without burdening the people. "We should prioritize the welfare of the people, especially in these difficult times. The government should provide adequate subsidies to ensure that the fare remains affordable for the commuting public," Castro said.