Commuters began paying higher fares for the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) on Tuesday as the Department of Transportation (DoTr) defended its decision to approve the increase.

In a statement, the DoTr asserted that the fare adjustment is essential for maintaining the financial stability of the private operator and ensuring continued improvements for passengers.

“The DoTr believes that the fare adjustment is long overdue and is necessary to ensure the operational viability of the rail line and sustain its necessary upgrades for the benefit of the commuting public,” the agency said.

It also stressed that the increase is needed “to not only ensure smooth and timely maintenance of LRT-1 but also the extension of the line to Cavite under the present PPP contract.”

Approved in January, this fare adjustment is only the second since the LRT-1 was privatized, following an initial increase in 2023.

Under the new fare structure, which is lower than initially proposed by Light Rail Manila Corp., the LRT-1 boarding fare has risen to P16.25, with a distance fare of P1.47 per kilometer.

Previously, the base fare was P13.29, with an additional P1.21 per kilometer, as approved by the DoTr in 2023.

Starting 2 April, passengers riding the LRT-1 will see fare increases ranging from P5 to P10, resulting in fares between P20 and P55.

With the new rates, the maximum single journey fare will increase from P45 to P55, while the minimum fare will rise from P15 to P20.

Additionally, the maximum fare for a stored value card will go up from P43 to P52, and the minimum fare will increase from P15 to P16.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon defended the fare hike approval, stating it is necessary to improve operations and extend the train line to Bacoor, Cavite.

“The private operator, Metro Pacific, is also struggling because we are pushing to extend LRT-1 to Cavite,” Dizon said in a radio interview on Tuesday.

His remarks followed an appeal submitted Monday to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. by various civil society groups, including Bayan president Renato Reyes Jr. and Makabayan senatorial candidates Jerome Adonis of KMU, Mody Floranda of PISTON, Mimi Doringo of Kadamay, Mhing Gomez of Anakbayan and Nanoy Rafael of commuter group PARA.

The groups challenged the DoTr’s approval of the fare increase in hopes of reversing the decision.

Starting 2 April, passengers riding the LRT-1 will see fare increases ranging from P5 to P10, resulting in fares between P20 and P55.

While acknowledging the financial difficulties faced by Filipinos, Dizon warned that failing to implement the fare hike could lead to further delays in the train line’s extension.

“I know times are tough for our fellow citizens, but for us to extend LRT-1 and maintain good service, this fare hike is something we have to accept,” Dizon said.