Passengers queue up to board a train of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) in this undated photo. The Light Rail Manila Corporation — the operator and maintenance provider of the LRT-1–on Wednesday (Jan. 8, 2025) filed a petition for a fare increase in the LRT-1. (PNA photo by Robert Oswald Alfiler)
The Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), the operator and maintenance provider of Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), has submitted a petition for a fare increase as part of its “periodic fare adjustments process.”
Jackie Gorospe, LRMC Communications Head, confirmed the petition and stated that more details would be shared during and after a public hearing scheduled for Thursday. The hearing will occur at 9 a.m. at the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Administration Building in Pasay City.
The proposal comes after the most recent fare hike in August 2023, which set the minimum fare for LRT-1 and LRT-2 at P14 and the maximum fare for stored value cards at P35. Single-journey ticket prices range from P15 to P35.
Proposed fare adjustments
According to Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) chairperson Renato Reyes, LRMC requests an average fare increase of P7.48 per passenger. This translates to an additional P8.65 for short-distance trips, P6.02 for mid-distance trips, and P12.50 for long-distance journeys.
Reyes strongly opposed the proposal, warning that it would significantly burden commuters already grappling with rising costs.
“We oppose this fare hike in unequivocal terms,” Reyes said. “The impact of the increase will be a heavy strain on commuters who rely on the LRT as an affordable mode of transportation.”
Public backlash and commuter concerns
The proposed fare increase has sparked criticism from advocacy groups and daily commuters, who argue that the hike could worsen the financial strain on Filipinos amid rising inflation. Many are calling on the government to intervene and prioritize public transportation affordability over private operators’ profit motives.
Advocates for commuter welfare have also urged the LRMC to improve the quality of LRT-1 services, citing frequent delays, overcrowding, and maintenance issues requiring urgent attention.
The Thursday public hearing will allow stakeholders to voice their concerns and weigh in on the proposed adjustments. LRMC is expected to justify the fare hike request by citing operational costs, maintenance needs, and infrastructure improvements.
As the fare hike proposal faces growing opposition, the outcome of the public hearing may set the tone for broader discussions on balancing commuter affordability with the sustainability of public transportation systems.