Opposition solons push DOTr for free LRT, MRT rides amid soaring fuel prices

Opposition lawmakers have urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to provide free train rides to the public amid rising fuel prices triggered by the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Akbayan party-list Reps. Chel Diokno, Percy Cendaña, and Dadah Ismula, along with Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, made the proposal under House Resolution 858.

The lawmakers noted that global crude oil prices have surged sharply due to the conflict, with benchmarks such as Brent crude climbing above US$80 per barrel and potentially exceeding US$100 if disruptions continue.

This has made domestic fuel prices highly sensitive to fluctuations in global oil markets and geopolitical tensions, they said.

“Our rail systems—the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 and 2 and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3—provide an efficient alternative to fuel-dependent transport, enabling large numbers of commuters to travel at lower cost and with reduced exposure to volatile fuel prices," the lawmakers said.

"Implementing temporary free train rides during extraordinary global fuel price surges can offer immediate economic relief for millions of commuters while helping stabilize transportation costs during periods of geopolitical crisis,” they added.

The three train lines cover key urban corridors in Metro Manila:

• LRT?1 runs roughly 26?km along the metropolis' north–south axis, serving 25 stations, from Dr. Santos Station in Parañaque (south) and Fernando Poe Jr. Station in Quezon City (north);
• LRT-2 spans 13.8 km from Recto Ave. in Manila to Antipolo Station in Rizal province; and
• MRT-3 covers 16.9 km along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) from North Avenue, Quezon City to Taft Avenue, Pasay, with 13 stations.

The three Metro Manila train lines serve an estimated average of around 1 million passengers daily combined, according to government data.

'Oil price volatility'

The Middle East conflict began when a joint US-Israel Operation Epic Fury launched airstrikes on Iran’s seat of government on February 27, aiming to deter Iran’s missile program, which is seen as a regional security threat.

The operation reportedly killed Iranian leaders, prompting Iran to retaliate with airstrikes on US bases and other targets in Middle Eastern countries, which supply about 98% of the Philippines’ crude oil imports.

“Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the House of Representatives urges the appropriate government agencies, particularly the DOTr, to implement a temporary free train ride program on certain workdays on LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 during the period of heightened oil price volatility caused by the US-Iran conflict,” the resolution stated.

“Resolved further, that the Department of Budget and Management be urged to allocate contingency funds or subsidies to compensate rail operators for revenue losses resulting from this program,” the lawmakers added.—MCG, GMA Integrated News