MAP backs LRT1 fare increase

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) on Thursday said it is backing the fare increase of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1), citing its private operator’s investments to improve and extend the reach of the railway system.

Effective April 2, 2025, the current minimum single journey and maximum end-to-end rate of P15 and P45, respectively, has been hiked to P20 and P55.

MAP, in a statement, cited LRT1’s extension all the way from Baclaran to Dr. A. Santos Avenue in Parañaque City.

“This extension to Dr. A. Santos Avenue was done even while the contractually guaranteed fare adjustment was not released,” the business group said, adding that the “train extension will soon reach Zapote and Bacoor in Cavite.”

“On this, the MAP stands for the sanctity of contract and the rule of law,” the business group said.

MAP said that agreed terms of the contract on the fare adjustment must be complied with by the government in order to protect the level of service required of the operator and prevent deterioration of service to the commuters.

“The MAP favors the approval of the LRT1 fare adjustment, pursuant to the contract between the government and the operator,” it said.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) earlier defended the decision to approve the fare increase for LRT1 as it believes the adjustment is long overdue and is necessary to ensure the operational viability of the rail line and sustain its necessary upgrades for the benefit of the commuting public.

“This rate increase is needed to not only ensure smooth and timely maintenance of LRT1 but also the extension of the line all the way to Cavite under the present PPP contract,” the DOTr said.

“This rate increase, which was approved last January 30, 2025, is only the second rate increase with 2023 being the first. This was also much lower than the proposed P20 fare originally submitted by the Light Rail Management Corporation,” the Transportation Department said.

The Palace has, likewise, explained that the approved upward fare adjustment for the LRT1 is stipulated in the contract, noting that its implementation has been held for a long time. —Ted Cordero/RF, GMA Integrated News