MAP supports LRT-1 fare hike, citing contract compliance

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), representing top business executives, supports the fare increase for Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) which took effect on Wednesday, April 2.

MAP emphasizes its commitment to the sanctity of contracts and the rule of law, stating that the fare adjustment is in line with the agreement between the government and LRT-1 operator Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC).

The minimum fare for a single-journey ticket has increased from P15 to P20, while end-to-end journeys now cost P55 instead of P45.

MAP notes that despite the contractually guaranteed fare adjustments, LRMC extended LRT-1 from Baclaran to Dr. A. Santos Avenue in Parañaque City and is working on extending it further into Cavite.

The business group argues that complying with the terms of the contract is crucial for maintaining service quality and preventing deterioration as the extension progresses.

Despite supporting the fare hike, MAP has a history of advocating for better public transportation, such as the introduction of the EDSA Carousel busway line.

Transport groups have criticized the new fares, arguing that they impose an additional burden on daily commuters who are mostly students and workers.