Cayetano urges DOTC to find alternative income for MRT, LRT

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday urged the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to find alternative ways to gain income for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) instead of implementing a fare hike.

"The government cannot choose the easy route by placing more burden on the commuters through a fare hike. It must be the one to think of ways to augment the income from the MRT and LRT for it to be able to meet its obligations," Cayetano said.

Cayetano suggested that non-rail revenue incomes for MRT and LRT train lines, such as advertisements and commercial spaces in train stations, should be considered.

The Majority Leader added that the Congress has approved the budget to cover expenses for the train systems and improving its services should not be used as an excuse to increase fares.

"But if an increase is absolutely necessary, it must implement measures to lessen the impact on vulnerable groups," Cayetano said, adding that the fare hike would be an unnecessary burden to commuters.

The senator noted that announcing the fare increase in the MRT and LRT days before Christmas was "wrong timing."

Cayetano proposed that discounts should be offered to students and vouchers for free rides should be given to minimum wage earners.

The DOTC earlier announced that the 50 to 80 percent fare hike would take effect starting January 4, 2015.

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