MRT, LRT fare hike okayed

THE proposed fare increase in Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) was approved “in principle”.

Emerging from the Cabinet economic cluster meeting Wednesday, Presidential Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ricky Carandang said the fare adjustment was approved “in principle”.

He however refused to reveal figures but cited that the hikes are just "slight" and will be “reasonable” to the public.

He said the implementation of the new MRT fare will still be studied upon and leave the announcement of the adjusted fare to Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose Ping de Jesus.

In an interview, De Jesus said the exact fare adjustment will be discussed by the LRTA board, which is composed of the DOTC, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Finance, and Metro Manila Development Authority.

De Jesus said they scheduled a meeting on January 11 to discuss of the planned hike but assured that a public consultation will be held before the implementation.

But he noted the increase will most likely be implemented within the first quarter of the year.

Malacanang meanwhile maintained on the gradual implementation of hike in toll fees in South Luzon Expressway (Slex).

“Toll hikes in SLEX will come in two tranches, so people don’t feel pain right away,” he said. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)