LRT 2, MRT 3 fares slashed by half starting March 23
Passengers of Light Rail Transit 2 (LRT 2) and Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3) will enjoy a 50-percent discount starting Monday, March 23, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on Thursday.
The DOTr said this is in compliance with President Marcos’ directive to ease the burden on the public amid an increase in oil prices due to the Middle East conflict.
Under the new discounted rates, passengers of LRT 2, which runs from east to west connecting Recto to Antipolo/Marikina, will pay from P7.50 to P17.50.
On the other hand, passengers of MRT 3, which connects north to south or North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, will pay from P6.50 to P14.
“We will make their everyday commute more convenient […] We will do everything to ensure safe travels for every Filipino,” Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said in a statement.
LRT 2 and MRT 3 are owned and operated by the government.
Same rates for LRT 1
The DOTr said it was coordinating with the LRT 1 management to provide the same discount to its passengers; the train line is operated by Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), a private company.
LRMC press officer Card Cruz, however, said there was no official decision yet on providing a similar discount on LRT 1.
“Until further notice, standard fare rates still apply to all LRT 1 operations,” he said.
“LRMC understands the challenges currently being faced due to rising oil prices. We want to assure our commuters that the company is doing its best to help address these concerns as we work as one with the government to provide reliable and efficient transport solutions,” Cruz added.
White, blue beep cards
The 50-percent discount for white beep cards issued to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and students will still be applicable.
“The blue beep cards will be automatically equipped with a 50-percent discount for regular passengers. Those who do not own beep cards, they can buy single journey tickets with 50-percent discount,” it said.
MRT 3 serves about 375,000 commuters daily; LRT 2’s average daily ridership is almost 160,000, while that of LRT 1 is about 440,000.
“The current operational setup of MRT 3 is ready for any potential increase in passengers, given the recently announced across-the-board 50-percent fare discount,” MRT 3 press officer Kath Dominguez said. —WITH REPORTS FROM PNA AND INQUIRER RESEARCH INQUIRER RESEARCH
******
Get real-time news updates: inqnews.net/inqviber
