It is time for the government to break free from its contract with Light Rail Transit (LRT) operators that may allow for huge fare increases every two years, a Makabayan senate aspirant said.
A day after LRT fare increased from PhP5 to PhP10 more for every trip, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan chairperson Teddy Casiño said the additional burden to train commuters is a result of a “sweetheart contract” between LRT Line 1 operator Light Rail Manila Corporation and the government.
“The recent fare hike for the LRT is a heavy burden on our commuters, especially in this time when many are already struggling to make ends meet,” Casiño said.
The former Bayan Muna Representative said the existing deal between LRMC and the government is allowing a 10.25% fare increase petition every two years, in addition to compensation for any fare deficit resulting from the disapproval or deferral of their fare hike petition.
LRMC justified recent and future fare increases to expansion projects to as far south as Cavite province.
LRT-1’s southernmost station is at A. Santos Avenue in Parañaque City. The line has about 323,000 passengers daily.
Malacañang for its part justified government’s approval of this week’s 20% fare hike as a mere contractual obligation.
READ: Bayan Muna to Marcos: Moderate greed of oligarchs; stop LRT fare hike
Casiño disagrees, however, asking: “Kung sinasabi ng gobyerno na nakagapos ang kanilang kamay dahil sa kontratang ito, hindi ba panahon na para pumiglas at pumanig sa taumbayan?”
Casiño pointed out that the fare escalation is even higher than the annual average inflation rate of only 3.4% since the contract went into effect in 2015.
“This sovereign guarantee of private profits is unconscionable and should be rescinded,” he said.
“Sa pagtaas ng pamasahe ng LRT, ang taumbayan talaga ang totoong tinalian ng kamay. Kung may political will ang gobyerno, kaya nitong pigilan at repasuhin ang ganitong kasunduan para matiyak na papabor ito sa mga mamamayan,” Casiño added. # (Raymund B.Villanueva)
