MRT-3 fare hike petition refiled

A FARE hike petition for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) has been refiled after a technical lapse in a previous filing, Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Cesar B. Chavez said on Monday.  

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) denied the previous proposal after the MRT-3 management failed to issue a notice of public hearing on time.  

“It can be recalled that MRT-3’s fare hike petition was deferred due to infirmities in complying with the requirements and procedure,” the DoTr said in a press release. 

According to DoTr Assistant Secretary for Railways and MRT-3 Officer-in-Charge Jorjette B. Aquino, the MRT-3 management petitioned for a P2.29 increase in boarding fare, or a 21-centavo increase per kilometer.  

The proposed fare hike is similar to what was approved for Light Rail Transit (LRT) Lines 1 and 2.  

“Like the LRT-1 and LRT-2, no fare adjustment was approved for the MRT-3 for the last eight years,” Mr. Chavez said in a statement.  

The current boarding fare at the MRT is P11, while the distance fare is a peso per kilometer. If the proposal is approved, the boarding fare will become P13.29, while the distance fare will be P1.21 per kilometer.  

Last month, the DoTr approved a fare hike for LRT Lines 1 and 2, which will take effect by Aug. 2.    

Ms. Aquino previously said that the fare adjustment will go towards enhancing services, amenities, and technical capabilities of the two commuter lines.  

The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), operator of LRT lines 1 and 2, plans to allocate about P110 million, or about 97% of the projected P114 million in additional rail revenue, for maintenance, operating expenses, and repair and upkeep of crucial rail systems and facilities. — Justine Irish D. Tabile