LRT fares must be implemented gradually and paired with discounts for laborers and informal workers. When the fare increases go into effect, Libreng Sakay on light rail might be introduced on a limited scale of one or two days per week.
Increases in light rail transit (LRT) fares must be phased in and matched with discounts for laborers and informal workers.
Bagong Henerasyon Partylist Rep. Bernadette Herrera said that as soon as Metro Manila is declared out of the COVID, light rail fare prices should start to gradually rise.
“The hikes should be staggered in at least three or four installments over a span of maybe two years,” Herrera said.
“Imposing light rail fare hikes in one swoop or blow will be hard for the poor and disadvantaged. I ask the Department of Transportation (DoTr) to properly time the start of the fare hikes after the end of the pandemic state of calamity,” she continued.
Herrera explained that it is important to include construction workers, and informal sector workers in the fare discounts offered to seniors, people with disabilities, and students.
Libreng Sakay
Meanwhile, Libreng Sakay can be implemented through the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) bus carousel. Libreng Sakay on light rail could be implemented on a limited scale of one or two days a week when the fare hikes take effect.
Inflation pressure will be gradually relieved by gradual fee increases paired with discounts and selective free rides.
“Keeping prices artificially low through price control is basically not good economics because the hidden costs will accumulate until the bubble eventually bursts. Gradual fare hikes combined with discounts and selective free rides will slowly release inflation pressure,” Herrera emphasized.
“The fare solutions I am suggesting would cushion the impact of fare hikes on the poor and disadvantaged sectors,” she cited.
Tags: #LightRail, #LibrengSakay, #RepHerrera