Contribute to MRT-3 subsidy fund, LGUs urged

MANILA -- Reacting to the planned P10 fare increase for Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3), Bayan Muna party-list Representative Teddy Casiño said the government should ask local government units (LGUs) along the train route to contribute to the subsidy provided to passengers.

The MRT-3 line passes along the cities of Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig and Quezon.

In his first press conference Monday, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said the MRT fares will be increased to P25 from the current maximum fare of P15.

The DOTC earlier approved a base fare of P11, and an additional P1 for every kilometer. The hike was supposed to be implemented in March last year but was deferred due to public opposition.

Casiño said that business establishments along the train routes should also contribute to the government's subsidy fund for MRT passengers.

"The administration must note that the MRT also benefits the private companies and government agencies whose employees use it to get to their workplaces," he said.

"It benefits the mall owners and vendors that have sprouted in its terminals. It benefits the motorists for reducing traffic volume on our highways. It benefits the power sector. It benefits the environment through lower carbon emissions. This is the holistic view that tells us that subsidizing the system is advantageous," he added. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)