QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The implementation of the fare increase of Light Rail Transit (LRT) Lines 1 and 2 (LRT-2) will begin Wednesday, Aug. 2.

This is in accordance with the fare increase approved by the Rail Regulatory Unit (RRU) of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), it is known that the minimum boarding fee for such rail lines is at P13.29 from the current P11.

Meanwhile, the approved per kilometer rate is P1.21 from the current P1.00.

Based on the notification of the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), which oversees the operation of the LRT-1, the new minimum fare on the LRT-1 is now P14 and the maximum is P35 for Store Value Cards (SVCs).

As for Single Journey Tickets (SJTs), it costs P15 to P35.

The DOTr said that from the current P12 minimum fare on the LRT-2 stored value or beep card, it will be P14.

The maximum fare from Recto Station to Antipolo Station will be P33, up from P28 previously.

If the passenger uses SJT, the minimum fare will remain at P15 while the maximum fare will be P35 from the current P30.

According to the DOTr, the additional fare will be used for the renovation and improvement of LRT-2 facilities and services.

It is known that the last time the fare adjustment was approved for such rail lines was in 2015.

Meanwhile, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), which oversees the operation of the LRT-2, has assured that they will still give a 20 percent discount to passengers who are senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWD) and students.

The LRTA also advises passengers to use a stored value card or beep card to save money and avoid inconvenience. (PIA-NCR)