MANILA, Aug. 23 (PNA) – Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas II Thursday said Metro Rail Transit commuters will have to pay higher fares starting next year.
“The government had spent about P75 billion to subsidize MRT operations for the past ten years. It would be unfair to people in the provinces if we continue to subsidize Metro Manila,” he said.
The MRT III line traverses Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City.
At present, the MRT charges only P15 for the full route due mainly to government subsidies.
In 2011, the DOTC has approved a fare increase of P28 for the full ride that would have taken effect on January of this year but it was subsequently deferred due to strong opposition from commuters and other sectors.
"The fare increase would free needed money to fund additional ports and airports throughout the country," Roxas said.
The DOTC had allocated approximately P5.1 billion in subsidies to MRT III for 2013 - up by 19 percent from the P4.29 billion it allocated for the current year.
However, Roxas assured that the “much delayed” fare increase would be gradually implemented until it approximates that of bus fares plying the same route.
“The fare increases would be reasonable and gradual and commuters would be duly notified of the fare adjustments prior to its implementation,” Roxas said. (PNA)
Source : www.pna.gov.ph
