SC to DOTC: Explain MRT-LRT fare hike

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court on Tuesday, January 13, asked the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to explain the basis of  the fare increase in the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) train systems.  

The DOTC is required to submit a comment on the petitions for a temporary restraining order against the fare hike within 10 days, Supreme Court spokesperson Ted Te said in a press conference Tuesday.

At least 4 petitions have been filed against the fare increase, which was implemented on Sunday, January 4 – a day before most regular employees reported back for work after the holiday season.  

The DOTC resolution increased the base fire hike to P11.00 ($0.25), with P1 ($0.0223) per kilometer for the LRT 1 and 2, and MRT3.

This raises the maximum single journey fare in LRT-1 to P30 ($0.67) and LRT-2 to P25 ($0.56). Meanwhile, MRT fares will range from P15 to P28 ($0.33 to $.62). 

The first two petitions came from a group of progressive groups and private individuals led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), and former Iloilo Representative Augusto Syjuco.

The United Filipino Consumers and Commuters Inc and party-list Bayan Muna filed two more petitions on Tuesday, January 6.

The groups want the High Court to stop the fare increase for being unfair and ill-timed. They also questioned the basis of the hike, arguing that it is the government’s role to subsidize public transport and plug fund gaps.

In response, Malacañang said the hike is meant to allow the government to reallocate resources to provinces outside Metro Manila. 

DOTC officials said additional revenues from the increase will be used for repairs and maintenance works. 

In a House transportation committee hearing on Thursday, January 8, lawmakers asked the DOTC to submit a complete list of projects to be funded through the fare hike. 

It was revealed during the hearing that contrary to claims that the government is subsidizing the train system, the MRT and the LRT is, in fact, making money enough to cover its operating expenses.  

However, the train system’s revenue is not enough to fund system upgrades and purchase new trains.  

Under the 2015 national budget, a total of P977.69 million was allocated for the repair of LRT 1 and LRT 2 while P2.569 billion was set for the rehabilitation of the MRT3.

Meanwhile, another P977.69 million was provided for LRT refurbishments under the 2014 supplemental budget while P957 million was given to the MRT. – Rappler.com