LRT-1 Announces Fare Hike Starting April

Commuters of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) will face higher fares starting this April, following the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) approval.

This announcement comes after previous reports indicated a possible fare increase as early as February 2025. While some sources initially pointed to February, official announcements and the DOTr’s approval confirm the implementation will begin in April.

The Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), the private operator of the LRT-1, has announced the new fare matrix. The increase will be P5.00 for single-journey tickets, bringing the minimum fare to P20.00 and the maximum to P55.00, depending on the distance traveled. For Store Valued Cards (SVCs), the minimum fare has increased by 1 peso to P16.00, while the end-to-end journey now charges P52.00 pesos instead of the previous P43.00.

This fare hike is the latest adjustment to public transportation costs and may pose a challenge to regular commuters who rely on the LRT-1. The LRMC has cited rising operational costs, including electricity and maintenance, as the reason for the fare adjustment. They also emphasize that the increase will allow them to improve services and ensure the long-term sustainability of the LRT-1.