Groups urge Marcos Jr. to stop LRT-1 fare hike

Transport and progressive groups plan to visit Malacañang on Monday to urge President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to halt the planned LRT-1 fare hike scheduled for Wednesday, April 2.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) stated that the fare increase is necessary for implementing upgrades and extending the line to Cavite, emphasizing its importance for operational viability and public benefit.

LRMC announced that fares will increase by P5 to P10 due to rising operating costs, particularly in electricity expenses. The new fare matrix ranges from P20 to P55 for a single journey ticket, with the maximum fare increasing from P45 to P55 and the minimum from P15 to P20.

Various civil society groups challenged the DOTr's approval of the fare hike by submitting an appeal to President Marcos Jr., questioning its financial necessity and arguing it imposes substantial burdens on daily commuters.

The petitioners argue that the DOTr's contractual obligation to increase fares does not justify such hikes without sufficient explanation, contending these increases would nearly triple commuter costs by 2046.