Govt to conduct consultations on LRT, MRT fare hikes

Amid mounting protests against planned fare hikes for the Light and Metro Rail Transit (LRT/MRT) systems, Malacañang on Saturday assured commuters the government will hold consultations where they can air their concerns on the matter. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said President Benigno Simeon Aquino III is aware of the burden any fare increase in the LRT and MRT will place on the riding public. “Alam ng pangulo ang bigat ng mangyayari kung itataas ang presyo ... pinag-aaralan ng Department of Transportation and Communications ang fare increase (The president is aware of the burden this will cause on the public. The DOTC is studying the matter)," Lacierda said on government-run dzRB radio. “Concerns of the riding public will be considered in the consultations. There will be hearings for a fare increase so transport and consumer groups can air their concerns," he added. He said the consultations aim to get the sentiments of the various sectors, including commuters and taxpayers. But he did not say when or where the hearings will take place. The maximum fare for the LRT1 stands at P20 from Balintawak (Quezon City) to Baclaran (south Metro Manila). The maximum fare for MRT3 is P15 from North Avenue (Quezon City) to Taft Avenue (Pasay City). Lacierda also said the government will seek to explain to the public the need to strike a balance between subsidy and the operation of the two mass transit systems. “Government is looking for a balance. We cannot throw away taxpayers’ money to a losing venture. And the subsidy comes from taxpayers nationwide, even those who do not use the two rail systems," he said. Lacierda also said President Aquino will likely order the LRT and MRT management to open their financial books so the public can see how they spent their revenues. “I am sure DOTC Secretary Jose de Jesus will order a probe into the financial books of LRT and MRT. Where did the revenues go, how were they spent. Also, they will have to look into the operations and management of MRT," he said. — LBG, GMANews.TV