Philippine News
Gov’t delays PNR fare increase
MANILA – The government postponed the impending fare increase of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) following the opposition on hike implemented by the Light and Metro Rail Transit (LRT-MRT) systems.
Originally, the PNR will adjust the fares of its Metro South Commuter Line (MSCL) that covers Tutuban in Manila to Calamba in Laguna starting January 5, 2014.
In PNR Board Resolution 094-2014 drafted last December 9, 2014, the minimum fare will increase from P10 to P15, thus maximum rate will now be P60 from P45.
According to PNR General Manager Joseph Dilay, they already have the plan prior to the holiday break. However, they failed to submit the resolution for approval to the board.
“We don’t want to implement a fare increase simultaneously with the LRT and MRT,” he added.
He noted that the PNR Board Resolution will be handed to DOTC this week. Moreover, public consultation regarding the fare increase will also be done within the month.