MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has greenlit a fare increase for the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), set to be enforced starting April 2.

In a statement released Tuesday, Enrico Benipayo, president of Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), confirmed the approval of the new fare scheme, which follows the notice issued by the DOTr on February 14.

“The newly approved fare scheme is lower than the 2024 rates applied for by LRMC and is only equal to the 2022 LRMC application as provided for in the concession agreement,” Benipayo said.

According to the PNA report, the decision of the DOTr’s Rail Regulatory Unit (RRU), the LRT-1 boarding fare will rise to P16.25, with a distance charge of P1.47 per kilometer.

The minimum fare for a single journey ticket will increase to P20, up from P15. 

The fare for travel from Dr. Santos Station to United Nations Station will now be P35, a jump from the previous P30, while the fare from Dr. Santos Station to Fernando Poe Jr. Station will rise to P55, up from P45.

For passengers using stored value “Beep” cards, the adjusted fares will be slightly lower at P19, P34, and P52, respectively.

This marks the second time in 10 years that LRMC has been granted a fare hike, despite the recent opening of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension.

“Public transport is a service that requires continuous investment in maintenance, upgrades, and expansion. Countries with world-class transport systems such as Singapore and Japan adjust fares regularly to keep services efficient and safe,” Benipayo said.