Philippine President Bongbong Marcos delays fare increases for the LRT 1 and 2 and MRT 3 due to economic impact on commuters.

Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to defer the approved fare increase for Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 and 2, citing its “economic impact” on commuters. The fare increase for Metro Rail Transit 3 was likewise deferred “due to infirmities in complying with the requirements and procedure.” The DOTr will conduct further study on the effect of a fare increase to passengers of the three major rail lines. The LRT-1, which was privatized in 2015, has petitioned for fare adjustments in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022 — all of which had been deferred. The Light Rail Manila Corporation, which operates LRT-1, is allowed to apply for fare adjustments “of at least 10.25 percent every two years after the effectivity of the contract,” according to the DOTr. The proceeds of the increase were supposed to be used for the technical capability, services, and facilities of the two rail lines.