Commuters split on LRT-1 fare hike

Metro Manila, Philippines - Commuters have mixed views on the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) fare hike, which took effect on Wednesday, April 2.

A number of commuters said they are burdened with the fare adjustment as they have to set aside more of their budget for transportation.

Khool Espina, a student from Adamson University in Manila, lamented how he has to allocate more of his allowance for his fare.

“Dapat itigil muna kasi nagtataasan ‘yung mga bilihin ngayon at kaming mga student, hindi rin kami makasabay,” Espina said. “Sobrang limited lang talaga ng resources namin.”

[Translation: The fare hike should be stopped because prices of commodities are also increasing, and we, students, cannot keep up. We have limited resources.]

A 58-year-old commuter also shared the same sentiment.

“Malaki ang mababawas sa budget,” Elmo Pacana said. “Kung pwedeng matigil muna, mas maganda para rin sa mga taumbayan kasi alam mo naman mahirap ang buhay ngayon.”

[Translation: The fare will get a big chunk of our budget. It would be better if the hike would be halted because people are having a hard time with expenses.]

Other commuters, meanwhile, understood the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) approval of the new fare.

“Okay lang kasi nagtataas naman lahat. Ganu’n din naman sa pamasahe sa jeep at saka sa mga bus,” said Mary Anne de Villa who shared that her train ride is still cheaper despite the fare hike than taking a bus.

[Translation: It is okay with me because everything goes up now – even the fares in jeepneys and buses.]

The LRT-1 increased its minimum fare for single-journey tickets to P20 from P15 and the maximum fare to P55 from P45.

Stored-value card holders will have a slighter relief as the minimum fare will rise from P15 to P16 and the maximum fare from P43 to P52.

The DOTr explained that the fare hike is “long overdue” and necessary to maintain the train line and to extend it to Cavite.

Progressive groups have earlier appealed the fare increase with the office of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.