00:00 The expected additional burden to train commuters finally took effect today.
00:04 Despite numerous announcements, some passengers still expressed surprise with
00:09 the fare hike, which the LRT management says is a necessary growing pain for the
00:14 train system to sustain operations or risk being yet another ambitious project
00:18 that government would fail to maintain. Karen Villanda has more.
00:24 From Antipolo, Ivy used to save 20 pesos for her fare on the LRT 2 commute to Cubao.
00:31 But this morning...
00:33 [Foreign]
01:00 From the previous 28 pesos from Recto to Antipolo, the fare has increased to 33 pesos
01:06 for the stored value card and 35 pesos for the single journey ticket.
01:11 There is a 20 percent discount for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
01:17 So the new discounted price is now 28 pesos.
01:21 That's why Jasmine has no option left but to ask for more allowance from her parents.
01:26 [Foreign]
01:53 According to LRT 2 management, they expect to collect 100 million pesos annually
01:58 with the new and increased fares, but less the common carrier's tax to pay to the government.
02:04 What remains will be used for the operational expenses,
02:08 which is not enough using the previous fare rates.
02:11 Also, through additional charges, upgraded parts can be bought for the additional trains,
02:16 especially with the LRT 2 system running for over 20 years.
02:21 The LRT 2 subsidy requested from the government will also be reduced
02:25 while the construction of a train station going to Manila Port will resume.
02:29 [Foreign]
02:55 Cabrera clarified the issue regarding the fare hike was not consulted
03:00 as it undergone public consultation and public hearing.
03:03 [Foreign]
03:16 Karen Villanda for the Nation.
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