The MRT and LRT fare hike!

The MRT and LRT, two of Philippines most sought after mode of transportation that ferries people across Metro Manila, is going to increase their fare. It is a sad thought that this increase should happen, when there is a global economic turmoil which could also mean additional burden on the masses since most of the commuters belongs to the middle and the lower classes of society. MRT, whose tickets ranges from Php12.00 to Php15.00 will become Php50.00 more or less and the LRT will charge Php22.00 per passenger from its current Php15.00.

The government’s rationale for this decision was based from the SONA of President Aquino that the coffers of the government is losing money from subsidizing the operation of the two said train systems. Naturally, the decision was met with strong protests from cross-oriented labor and student groups.

Though I am not using the trains at this time, I too disagree with the proposal. I can see the chaos it will bring once this is implemented. People will block the main thorough fare to catch a ride just to get to their work. Imagine, if we were infuriated when these two main transportation modes stop operation due to power shortages that causes us to be late for our work and having to squeeze into a jam packed busses and  mind you these things happens only once in a blue moon, the same scenario will occur EVERYDAY if the increase pushes through. Hence, the purpose of the trains of decongesting the streets of cars, commuters and public transportations will be put into naught. People will be late for their work and being late means loss of revenue for the companies. It is the 1980’s once again MANILA.

However, there is still a glimmer of hope. The government is rehabilitating the PNR or the Philippine National Railroad. Though this project was started by the previous administration with reported anomalies, it is still the best alternative for the said problem. But this must be finished soon so as the people may reap its benefit;s otherwise, the government should be able to guarantee the commuters that they can provide a smooth and fast travel similar to that of the trains when the people uses the highway. And frankly speaking which I doubt heavily.