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The Department of Transportation (DOTr) approved the increase in the railway system’s fare matrix of Light Rail Transit Line (LRT1) beginning April.

Based on the DOTr approved revised fare matrix, the maximum fare of P45 for a single journey end-to-trip will go up to P55.

Last February 14, 2025, a notice signed by Railways Undersecretary Jeremy Regino, the DOTr informed Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) LRMC of the approved new fare formula for the Line 1.

The current fare formula for LRT1 of P13.29 boarding fee and a P1.21 increment per kilometer travel will be increased to P16.25 boarding fee and a distance per kilometer travel fare of P1.47.

Based on the approved revised fare matrix the maximum fare of P45 for a single journey end-to-trip will go up to P55.

The fare adjustment for LRT1 came about two months after the DOTr conducted a public hearing on LRMC’s petition for increase.

The LRT1 private operator is required to publish the approved fare at least once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation.

Below is the approved revised fare matrix for LRT1:

Earlier, LRMC CEO Enrico Benipayo justified the concessionaire’s fare hike appeal by presenting several improvements in the LRT1. He said the working light rail vehicles were increased by 87% from 77% (since the private takeover in 2015) to 144; and close to 100% daily system reliability, monthly system reliability, punctuality, and availability.

Benipayo added that since LRMC took over, there has only been one fare increase for LRT1, even if the concessionaire is allowed to adjust fare every two years.

The LRMC filed petitions for fare adjustments in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022, all of which were deferred.

Benipayo said the amount of fare adjustment that the LRMC is seeking will cover the deferred adjustments in previous years.

The deferred fare hikes had resulted in a fare deficit of P2.17 billion as of November 2024.

“Assuming no fare increase will be granted until 2028, LRMC is projecting a total of P4.9 billion in fare deficit for the next three years, bringing the total fare deficit to P7 billion,” he said.

The LRMC chief said that if the LRT1 fares are adjusted, the national government will avoid paying the additional fare deficit which would allow them to devote the corresponding funds to other priority government projects.