The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the fare rate increase for Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) set for 2 April is essential for maintaining the operational viability of the rail line and supporting its long-term upgrades, including the recently completed Cavite extension under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contract.
According to the DOTr, the rate hike is vital for ensuring timely maintenance and smooth operations and ensuring continued service for commuters. The fare adjustment, which was approved on 30 January 2025, marks the second rate increase in two years, with the first occurring in 2023.
While the fare increase will raise the minimum single-journey fare to P20 from the current P15 (a 25 percnt rise), the adjustment is significantly lower than the Light Rail Management Corporation’s (LRMC) initial proposal of a P20 fare. The new fare includes a P16.25 boarding fee and a distance fare of P1.47 per kilometer.
The rate increase follows LRMC’s petition to the DOTr for an adjustment, which was approved on 14 February 2025. Under the terms of its concession agreement, the LRMC is entitled to a 10 percent fare hike every two years, justifying the fare change as part of its ongoing commitment to improving and extending the rail service.
