LRT, MRT Fare Hikes start today

If you’re one of the usual commuters who often ride the MRT or LRT, don’t be surprised if you’ll be paying for more than what you actually do. The Department of Transportation and Communications will start to implement today its fare matrix for three of Metro Manila’s primary railroad transportation systems.

Credits to the owner

The new train fare matrix has been long announced and is scheduled to be implemented starting today, January 4. For LRT 1 and 2 train systems, you will now pay for Php30USD 0.51INR 43EUR 0.49CNY 4 for a single Journey from Roosevelt to Baclaran (LRT-1) or Php25USD 0.43INR 36EUR 0.41CNY 3 for a ride from Santolan to Recto (LRT-2). For both train lines, prices will be a bit cheaper for those who are holding stored value tickets.

Meanwhile, the biggest price increase will be at the EDSA-situated MRT-3 line, and this will mean an additional one peso for the base fare and another additional peso for every succeeding kilometer. As a result, your usual Php15USD 0.26INR 22EUR 0.24CNY 2 train fare from North Avenue to Taft is now almost doubled to Php28USD 0.48INR 40EUR 0.45CNY 3.

GMA News has reported that some passengers are still shocked at the implementation of the new fare hike. DOTC and LRTA on the other hand claimed that the notices and fare matrices have been posted as early as two weeks before today.

According to another report by the same news agency, DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya admitted that these price hikes, highlighting the MRT-3, will not go to upgrade and improvements to the train lines but rather to the escrow account as the government still continues to pay the MRT Corporation under the build-lease agreement. Despite that, he assures the public that the train lines will continue to be improved over the coming years.

The fare upgrade drew flak from various sectors upon its announcement, and various groups and coalitions have expressed their intentions to file temporary restraining orders to the Supreme Court. The DOTC defended their decision as it has been over a decade since there was a fare hike on MRT-3.

To give you a recap, here’s a quick look at the fare matrices that will be implemented today:

(click to view a larger image)

Here’s a little poll we’re doing today. What are your thoughts about this issue? Feel free to drop your comments down below.

[socialpoll id=”2243293″]