The good news: no fare hikes for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Philippine National Railway even with weekly fuel price hikes. This is to avoid spike in inflation.
At least there is one good news for the ordinary commuter.
The Department of Transportation on Thursday assured the public that there will be no railway fare increase despite soaring fuel prices.
“Maigting na paalala ni Secretary (Arthur) Tugade na tayo po ay walang pinaplano na pagtaas-pasahe sa linya ng ating mga tren," Transportation Undersecretary Timothy John Batan said in a public briefing.
According to Batan, the agency acknowledges the rising prices of other commodities which is why a price increase for the Philippine National Railways, MRT, and LRT is not being considered.
For now, the agency starts the rollout of the first tranche of its P2.5 billion fuel subsidy to public utility vehicle (PUV) beneficiaries.
Secretary Tugade on Wednesday pleaded to transport groups to stop illegally charging higher fares saying it could lead to inflation.
For now, DoTr-Metro Rail Transit 3 announced a suspension of operations for the upcoming Holy Week this April 13 to 17.
Additionally, the five-day halt will “give way for the line's annual preventive maintenance activities.”
Tags: #DoTr, #railways, #nofarehikes, #trains, #transportation