Palace sees need to increase MRT-3 fare

MALACANANG has no plan to block the impending P10 fare increase for Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) set to be implemented next year.
 
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Tuesday that the increase is needed to reduce the financial burden of government, which covers P55 subsidy per train passenger.
 
"As we always explain, there is big chunk of the cost that is being subsidized by government," Valte said.
 
"I understand that they will still finalize when the increase will take effect and how much the increase will be," she added.
 
Transportation and Communication Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya announced Monday that the plan to increase fare for MRT-3 will push through next year.
 
Abaya gave a ballpark figure of P10 for the increase in MRT fare, which at present costs P15 for end-to-end fare.

The Department of Transportation and Communication 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.

Bayan Muna party-list Representative Teddy Casiño meanwhile urged government to ask local government units along the MRT-3 route to contribute to the subsidy provided to passengers.

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

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.

It is not sure yet whether or not the government will also apply the P10 increase for Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 with end-to-end fare of P20 and LRT 2 with P15 fare. (Jill Beltran/Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)