MANILA, Philippines — Commuters of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will not see a fare increase in the near future, according to newly appointed MRT-3 general manager Michael Jose Capati.
“There are no plans to adjust fares for the MRT-3 for now,” Capati stated in a radio interview, reassuring passengers who are preparing for fare adjustments at the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), which take effect today.
Capati reassumed leadership of the MRT-3 following the dismissal of former general manager Oscar Bongon by Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon in March. Bongon was removed from his post after an escalator malfunction at the Taft Avenue station resulted in injuries to 10 passengers.
Previously serving as MRT-3 chief in 2022, Capati officially took office once again on Monday, after being sworn in by Dizon.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) justified the LRT-1 fare hike, emphasizing that the increase is essential for financing system upgrades and the expansion of the rail line to Cavite.
In a statement, the DOTr acknowledged the public’s resistance to the fare adjustment but stressed that the fare hike had been overdue and is necessary to maintain the operational sustainability of LRT-1.
