Adding to the back-to-back increases in charges and prices, the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), the company that operates the LRT service in Manila, plans to increase fares by up to ₱12.50 per trip at the start of the year. Ferdinand Gaite of Bayan Muna called the planned fare increase “heartless” amid the people’s widespread poverty. He said that the company clearly does not care about the hardships of the people.

“It (LMRC) is asking for a fare increase of up to ₱12.50 per trip while 63% of Filipino families are struggling to cover their daily expenses,” said Gaite.

In the LRMC’s proposal, the fare for short trips will increase by ₱8.65, ₱6.02 for medium trips, and ₱12.50 for long trips. The maximum LRT fare will increase from ₱45 to ₱60.

“These are not just simple numbers,” the legislator said. “For those earning minimum wages and relying on the LRT daily, this means less food on the table, less money for basic needs.” Last year, LRMC also raised its charges.

Along with Makabayan senatorial candidates Jerome Adonis, Mimi Doringo, and Mody Floranda, Gaite attended the Department of Transportation hearing held today regarding LRMC’s plan.

“We call on the DOTr to reject this anti-poor petition. The government should be looking for ways to ease the Filipino people’s burden, not worsen their hardships. Public transportation is a service, not a luxury,” he said.

The 63% poverty rate is based on a survey conducted by the Social Weather Station (SWS) in December. According to SWS, self-rated poverty has been continuously rising in 2024, from 46% in March 2024 to 58% in June and reaching 63% in December, the highest since 2009. The average poverty rate for the whole of 2024 is 57%, 9% higher than the 48% in 2023 and 2022.