Roxas: Expect MRT, LRT fare hike next year

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Manila commuters may have to brace for increases in fares charged by the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) next year as the administration cannot continue subsidizing the two rail systems, Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas told lawmakers yesterday.

During deliberations on the proposed budget of the Department of Transportation and Communications for 2013 before the House committee on appropriations, Roxas was asked by Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño whether the public should expect MRT and LRT fare hikes next year.

Roxas pointed out that last year, Congress reduced the budget for the subsidies to the MRT and LRT, which kept the fares down despite rising operating costs. Lawmakers last year said it was unfair for billions of pesos to be allocated for subsidies that benefit only MRT and LRT users.

“There will be changes next year because it would really be unfair in the areas in the provinces if we continue to subsidize Metro Manila as we have for the last 10 years amounting to about P75 billion already when in fact this subsidy makes the MRT ride cheaper than a bus ride,” he said.

He said the fare increase would not be that high, maybe only be equal to bus fares.

“The MRT (ride) is fast so it seems there is a fairness issue and that way, the monies that are freed can then be redeployed to the countryside,” Roxas said.

He said there is no more need for a public consultation next year since the process for the fare increase of the two rail systems has been completed and the actual implementation was just put on hold by President Aquino.