LRT-1 Fare Hike to Take Effect on April 2

Starting April 2, 2025, the maximum fare for a single-journey trip on LRT-1 will increase by ₱10, bringing the end-to-end fare from FPJ Station in Quezon City to Baclaran Station in Pasay City to ₱55. Stored value cardholders will see a ₱9 increase, making the fare ₱52.

The fare adjustment is part of the LRT-1 concession agreement, which allows the private operator, Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), to apply for increases every two years. LRMC cited the need for continued investment in maintenance, system upgrades, and expansion projects, including the ongoing Cavite extension.

LRMC President and CEO Enrico Benipayo defended the fare increase by saying that their services need “continuous investment in maintenance, upgrades, and expansion,” also stating that despite the increase, the current rate remains below the notional fare, leading to a ₱2.17 billion fare deficit. According to him, improvements in LRT-1’s efficiency, including reduced travel time.

The approved rate is lower than LRMC’s original proposal, which sought a maximum fare of ₱60 for single-journey tickets and ₱58 for stored value cards.

Single-Journey Ticket

Beep Cards

While transportation experts view the hike as necessary under the public-private partnership (PPP) deal, groups such as Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and Piston oppose it, calling for a review of the concession agreement. They argue that fare hikes burden commuters amid rising living costs. 

Despite the backlash, the fare adjustment is set to proceed as scheduled and is expected to affect more than 300,000 daily passengers.