Ref.: Anna Ferrer
Tel. No.: +63 (2) 854-0984
December 5, 2003
The LRT Line 1 or the Baclaran-Monumento line charges a very low fare compared to its Southeast Asian neighbors, benefiting tens of thousands of passengers daily.
Meanwhile, LRT services have dramatically improved as a result of the Light Rail Transit Authority's ongoing upgrading and modernization program, which includes the installation of airconditioning units in the old trains. This was the overwhelming feedback obtained from regular passengers of the LRT Line 1 system or the Baclaran-Monumento line by the LRTA.
Research shows that the Philippines charges a very low fare for its LRT systems for the same distance compared to some of its Southeast Asian neighbors. The LRT Line 1, which has 18 stations, charges a flat fare of P12.
In peso equivalent, it was shown that Taipei RTC charges P75.04, Taipei Hsin Tien, P58.46; Japan TRTA, P57.18; Singapore MRT, P35; Kuala Lumpur LRT, P29, and Singapore Bukit Panjang, P25.82.
"Filipino commuters are very lucky because despite the financial difficulties being encountered by LRTA as a result of the huge payments for its foreign debt, most of which was obtained during the time of Marcos, they are made to pay a very low fare,"LRTA Administrator Teddy Cruz said.
Augusto T. Chua, NCR Governor of Pugad Lawin Philippines, a well-known NGO involved in volunteer traffic mitigation efforts in Metro Manila, said passengers regularly using the LRT Line 1 system have noted the refurbished stations, the new airconditioned trains and the old trains installed with aircon units.
Several stations, particularly Monumento, 5th Avenue, R. Papa, UN Avenue, Vito Cruz, EDSA and Baclaran, have been repainted and installed with new roofs and lightings. Comfort rooms have also been installed in all the stations.
To date, 30 light rail vehicles (LRVs) of the original fleet have been installed with aircon units, making travel in these old trains more comfortable. By April 2004, all of the old trains or 63 LRVs will have been installed with aircon units.
Cruz said LRTA's net revenues are more than enough to cover direct operating expenses. However, because of the debt servicing, the authority is posting losses.
"When LRTA's foreign debt was obtained, the exchange rate then was $1 to P8. Compare this to the exchange rate now which is P55.38 to a dollar. Imagine the tremendous amount of peso needed to pay this debt," he added.
The LRTA, Cruz stressed, has also enhanced its security measures to protect passengers from terrorist attacks as well as petty crimes.
"Stringent security measures are being enforced in all stations of LRT to protect passengers," he said.
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