MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday defended the upcoming fare increase for the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), saying the adjustment is necessary to ensure efficient operations and fund the long-awaited extension of the rail line to Cavite.

The fare hike, which will take effect on April 2, 2025, comes after its approval on January 30. This is only the second fare adjustment for LRT-1, following the first increase in 2023.

While the DOTr acknowledged that some groups may appeal the fare adjustment, the agency maintained that the increase is long overdue and vital to sustaining the train system’s maintenance and expansion.

“This rate increase is needed to ensure smooth and timely maintenance of LRT-1 and support its extension to Cavite under the current public-private partnership contract,” the DOTr said in a statement.

The department also noted that the increase is lower than the original P20 fare hike proposed by the Light Rail Management Corporation.

The LRT-1 Cavite extension, once completed, is expected to benefit thousands of commuters daily by improving travel time and accessibility in southern Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Starting today, April 2, the maximum fare for a single-journey ticket on LRT-1 will rise from P45 to P55, while the minimum fare will increase from P15 to P20.  

For stored value card holders, the maximum fare will go up from P43 to P52, while the minimum fare will increase from P15 to P16.