Ref.: Anna Ferrer
Tel. No.: +63 (2) 854-0984
December 10, 2003
Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Administrator Teddy Cruz, Jr. today urged LRT commuters to buy and use the stored value (SV) ticket to enjoy its numerous advantages, including a "last ride bonus.
Meanwhile, Cruz reported that the LRTA's capacity expansion project for the Baclaran-Monumento line, which would greatly enhance passenger services, is on track.
"We are encouraging LRT passengers to use the SV ticket for convenience as well as to make some savings," he said.
He said a passenger with SV ticket will no longer have to queue to buy a ticket, enabling him to arrive at his destination faster.
The holder of an SV ticket, which is priced at P60 and P120, also gives him the benefit of a last ride bonus. This means that even if the balance is one peso, he can still use the ticket for any trip length.
On the LRTA's capacity expansion project, Cruz said 30 out of 63 light rail vehicles (LRVs) of the old fleet have been installed with airconditioning units. A number of stations have already been refurbished while the others are undergoing improvements to serve the riding public better.
"Not only are LRT passengers experiencing better services but are also paying fare which is the lowest in Southeast Asia," the Administrator stressed.
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, 29, and Singapore Bukit Panjang, P25.82.
LRT commuters pay a flat fare of P12 regardless of the distance traveled. The Baclaran-Monumento line has 18 stations.
Cruz said even if LRT fares are compared to those of jeepneys and FX taxis, these are still low. "This is not to mention the great savings in time a passenger makes when he rides the LRT."
From Baclaran to Monumento, passengers of jeepneys pay P14 while those of FX taxis P30.
Likewise, while travel time in the LRT is P30 minutes, travel time in jeepneys and FX taxis takes 120 minute or even longer.
"IF we quantify the distance and the time saved, the real fare per trip for the LRT should have been P32. However, we are only charging P12 to benefit the great masses of people," he added.
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