LRT1 Fare Hike Set for April 2 – Maximum Fare to Reach ₱55

LRT1 commuters should prepare for higher fares starting April 2, 2025, as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has approved an increase in the railway’s fare matrix.

New Fare Rates

🔹 Minimum fare: ₱15 → ₱20
🔹 Maximum fare (end-to-end trip): ₱45 → ₱55

Under the revised formula:
✅ Boarding fee: ₱13.29 → ₱16.25
✅ Per-kilometer fare: ₱1.21 → ₱1.47

The fare adjustment was approved by the DOTr’s Rail Regulatory Unit, following a public hearing on LRMC’s petition.

Why the Increase?

According to Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) CEO Enrico Benipayo, this is only the second fare hike in 10 years, despite LRT1 being eligible for adjustments every two years.

🚆 LRT1 improvements since private takeover in 2015:
✅ 87% more working trains (from 77 to 144)
✅ Near 100% daily system reliability, punctuality, and availability
✅ Completion of Cavite Extension Phase 1 (Nov 2024)

The Impact of Deferred Fare Hikes

📉 Fare deficit as of Nov 2024: ₱2.17 billion
📉 Projected fare deficit by 2028 (if no hikes happen): ₱7 billion

Benipayo emphasized that increasing fares now would prevent the government from covering this deficit, allowing funds to be allocated to other priority projects.

The new fare matrix will be published weekly for three weeks before taking effect.