The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) expressed its support on Wednesday for the fare increase on the LRT Line 1, which was previously defended by the Department of Transportation (DoTr).

“MAP favors the approval of the LRT-1 fare adjustment under the contract between the government and the operator,” the association said in a statement signed by national issues committee chairperson Rene Almendras and transportation and infrastructure panel chair Eddie Yap.

The MAP executives said the line extension to Dr. A. Santos Avenue in Parañaque City was completed even without the contractually guaranteed fare adjustment. The line will soon reach Zapote and Bacoor in Cavite.

Beginning 2 April, LRT-1 passengers will have to pay P5 to P10 more, bringing fares up to between P20 and P55. Under the new rates, the minimum fare will increase from P15 to P20, while the maximum single journey fare will rise from P45 to P55.

Additionally, the maximum fare in a stored value card will increase from P43 to P52, while the minimum fare will rise from P15 to P16.

“On this, MAP stands for the sanctity of contracts and the rule of law. The agreed terms of the contract on the fare adjustment must be complied with by the government in order to protect the level of service required of the operator and prevent a deterioration of service to the commuters,” the MAP officers said.

However, they said, MAP stood with the commuters when it advocated for the improvement of public transportation through the successful implementation of the EDSA Busway Carousel.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon defended the fare hike, saying it was essential to improve operations and extend the LRT-1 line to Bacoor. He explained that the private operator, Metro Pacific, is facing challenges due to the government’s push to expand the line to Cavite.