A complete schedule of adjusted fares for Light Rail Transit (LRT) Lines 1 and 2 riders is now ready implementation by August this year.
Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista approved the new fare rate following a Cabinet meeting in Malacañang, according to assistant secretary for railways Jorjette B. Aquino.
The LRTA and Light Rail Manila Corp. are set to publish the approved fare adjustments in at least one newspaper of general circulation for three consecutive weeks, consistent with rules and regulations.
Aquino noted the following publication dates: June 19, June 26 and July 3.
“After which, 30 days from the last publication date will be the collection date—August 2,” she added.
The DOTr’s Rail Regulatory Unit (RRU) previously approved the petition seeking to increase the boarding fee by P2.29 with an additional 21 centavos for every kilometer travelled at the LRT-1 and LRT-2.
With this, the lines’ minimum boarding fee is adjusted to P13.29 (originally P11) and P1.21 per kilometer for every kilometer travelled (originally P1 per kilometer).
But on 11 April 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the DOTr to defer the fare adjustment and reassess its economic impact on the riding public.
With the fare adjustment in place, Aquino said the LRTA plans setting aside P110 million or 97 percent of the projected P114 million incremental rail revenue, for maintenance, operating expenses, and much-needed repair and upkeep of crucial rail systems and facilities.
This will improve the turnaround time of equipment and ensure timely preventive maintenance activities for optimal performance, the rail official said.
