Are you in favor of the fare increase for MRT/LRT?

Your post is okay. You don't need to rephrase it. You mean 50Php is the possible fare?

I agree, price increases are really not welcome anywhere. I should have phrased the issue better: Is the price increase by MRT/LRT justified, would have been better. The price of the fare increase has been pegged and stagnant in that price range for quite some time now, thanks largely to GMA who is too scared to incur public ire. Because of this, the price increase needed to put it at current market rate became too big. But yes, according to the government (I don't know if you believe it) but it has to be around P50 so that no subsidy will be needed.

I meant that in order for the government to be able to withdraw its subsidy totally the rate should be Php50. But the increase that is being floated around is about Php10 - that means that the farthest station will be about Php30. The government will shoulder the remaining portion.

I don't think the fare increase will be the same as vans because I'm sure they will adjust their fares too. I think some of them have because of the numerous gas price increases. We were met by a lot of news and actual price increases this year, and we have been tightening our belts for some years now. For some people there might not be any notches to tighten. A lot of people are upset now and there is an ongoing signature campaign to stop the increases. Maybe you want to sign one. The MRT is not a government-run. The government only subsidizes a portion, at this time a large portion, of the fare pursuant to the BOT agreement. So no third party can shoulder the difference other than the riding public.

@greepeas: True, we might have one of the lowest rate in the world, although Bangkok trains are not far behind (but a lot better). I don't think the MRT/LRT can compete with the vans because the vans usually bring you point-to-point with just one ride. Not to mention the reckless way they drive means you arrive fast at your destination, assuming you are still alive by then. Don't worry, I too was already working when they started working on the MRT. In fact, I remember that I was excited to try it when it was only running a few stations.

The fare increases in LRT/MRT will be adjusted to be the same as that of air-conditioned buses, not those overcharging colorum vans. There is actually no other choice. Where in the world would you see a high-maintenance train system where people can ride for less than $.50 round-trip? It is obvious that the fare is heavily-subsidized and a lot of taxpayers' money are being used just for this purpose. Why would people not even living in Metro Manila pay for the commute of each LRT/MRT passengers? I know it is a pain at first, but just like spoiled brats we must all face reality that nothing is free in this world. When I was still working in Pasig, I commute using the aircon buses (since MRT is non-existent yet at that time, pls. dont ask when hehe) and I always come to work on time, so its just a matter of self-discipline and right budgeting.

Thanks for that. My teammates and I have been debating about this issue for a week now, and since most of them are taking the MRT everyday, they don't see it the way that I do. And maybe they have a point, but I just wish that they try to see it from my point of view.

I wouldn't call you biased, but more of a possible recipient. Be that as it may, you have every right to weigh in on the issue because you indirectly pay for the convenience of the MRT/LRT passengers thru your taxes. And you are the best example of people who subsidize the trains without benefitting from it - I think that you, and people like you, have been unselfish enough. I hear you, what indeed of those people outside the city who do not use this mode of transport? That is why I am an advocate of pegging the price to the rate where the government will not need to shell out anything. And yes, we are not the center of the universe and it is selfish of us to demand that people who do not benefit pay for our convenience. We should pay for our convenience considering that majority of the income is generated here.

Yes, the current rate is one of the reasons why a majority of the riding public prefer the trains. In my opinion, the rate did not factor in the convenience and speed when it pegged the fare. So the riding public prefers to line up to ride the train than take the bus or jeepney. I think GMA was too afraid to remove the subsidy because let's face it, her popularity cannot withstand public anger. I agree with your reasons. I do hope that we will indeed see better service after the increase. The way I see it, the increase will not mean more income for MRT/LRT because a part of the subsidy will be removed. It's just a substitution of parties in the end.

Your right, the main factor why people choose the trains over the buses is to save more time rather than on the fare, I would add to that the safety as well. The same with why GMA didn't allow any rate increase during her administration but whatever her reason were I still consider that a good decision nonetheless. If the rate increase pushes through this doesn't mean that people will no longer use the trains, unless of course the budget for the fare is really tight. At the end of the day, we have to realize that the trains are there for the masses and not for those who can only afford so it's important that the government always take into consideration on who benefits the most.

We can only hope that it is for the betterment of the facilities of these train systems. But as I understand it, the increase will only substitute for the portion of the government's subsidy. The riding public will now be mostly responsible for the trains just like any going concern. I don't think that we will lose the MRT/LRT if no fare increase is allowed. The government is required to see to it that the investors will get back their investments.

We can only hope that it is for the betterment of the facilities of these train systems. But as I understand it, the increase will only substitute for the portion of the government's subsidy. The riding public will now be mostly responsible for the trains just like any going concern. I don't think that we will lose the MRT/LRT if no fare increase is allowed. The government is required to see to it that the investors will get back their investments.

I agree that corruption is the one big reason why our national coffers are bleeding and definitely the government should put a stop to this. However, I also think that every little thing helps. I realized this when I was doing my budget for 2011. I scrupulously listed all the things that I spent on for the last two months. I found that I spent way too much on Starbucks coffee when I can get free coffee in the house and in the office - both brewed! Last week, every time I had the urge to stop by Starbucks, I would set aside the money for coffee and told myself that I will buy something I need. After 10 days of doing that, I was able to buy shoes for job interviews. If I keep this up, I will have a better wardrobe for work. My point is that by just disciplining my palate, I placed myself in a better position to get work. FYI, my wardrobe was decimated by Ondoy and I have had a hard time replacing them. By presenting myself better in the office, and I am not saying that this is the only reason, I hope to be noticed and either get a promotion or get a better job offer. You know what they say, you have to dress for the job that you want, and not for the job that you have. Thanks for you input. I am glad that there are some people like you who can see the bigger picture in our country and willing to make the sacrifice.

You got my point there my friend... Greed comes from thyself. its a good thing that you were able to discipline your palate, otherwise you'd be spending more on Starbucks coffee by sacrificing the money intended for your house-help's salary, or your girl's allowance... I mean, all must have the same attitude that you have, which is self control. Thus focusing on the real problem rather than being superficial.. Have a good day! BTW, I'm adding you as my friend.

I agree, but don't know about better management though. The government has to involve itself in the operations of the train even though technically it has not been turned over to it by virtue of the BOT agreement because they undertook some responsibility in making sure that the investors will get a fair return on their investments. As to affordability, the students will be directly affected by the increase especially in the LRT3 line because this passes by the U-belt. Their parents will indirectly bear the burden unless the parents tell them to make them with their current allowance, that is, take the jeep to school.

Yes, the MRT/LRT is very convenient because it is not subject to traffic. But consider this: before you can actually ride the train, you have to endure long lines before you can get in. And then once you are in the platform, if you are unlucky enough to get on it during peak hours, you have to let several trains pass before you actually get to ride it. And then when you are on it, you have to endure the jampacked condition inside the trains, and sometimes the occasional train breakdown. So in terms of convenience, it is only a step up in riding the bus. In fact, it is sometimes better to ride the vans because you get from point-to-point with just one ride. A lot of people miss the entire picture totally and just focus on the perceived speed. But you may ask, what is the relation to price increase? Well, people tend to take the MRT/LRT because the price is about the same or sometimes cheaper than taking the bus. Now if you let market forces decide its rate, people who are paying for the convenience will get their money's worth because people will shift from the trains to buses and jeepneys. Riding the MRT/LRT is not a right. It is not the only mode of transportation in the country. Plus, it will bring more business for the buses and the jeepneys.

That's true. And to think that the increase is not even what the government needs to be let out of the subsidy. However, they can always take the bus to work. Sometimes it is even a better alternative because it lets you off nearer your destination. As for better service, we can only hope and pray.

It is a bitter pill that we have to swallow. I do think that the Filipinos have other options besides riding the MRT/LRT. I don't see it as a need since we have other modes of transportation. If we want the convenience of these trains, a passenger should also factor this in the fare. I remember when the train was first started, there were not a lot of people riding. But like the cellphone, the trains have beeen integrated into our system. And like the cellphone, we will not die if we don't have it.

The minimum wage earners are always the ones who are most affected by price increases. However, they can always take the bus instead of the MRT. The longer I think about this issue, the more puzzled I become why people are insisting that the government retain the current subsidy so that there would be no price increase. I'm sorry, but I find it hard to sympathize with people who insist that the taxpayers pay for their convenience.

The price increases left and right is an indication that our economy is not doing good. We cannot close our eyes to the reality that it will take decades of sustained efforts before we can truly say that we are doing good economically speaking.

The increase is not wholly for the development of the stations. It is more to relieve the government a little of the subsidy so that these funds may be re-allocated to other projects. Our MRT/LRT are not purely a private concern.

Yes, most of the stations don't have decent bathrooms. I almost threw up once when I went to their bathroom at Taft Station. Some of the other stations don't even have one. But I don't think the increases will go to the improvement of the trains and its facilities. The government will only lower its subsidy to them.

Everything is going up now and the train systems in our country do not want to get left behind. I guess your solution to transfer nearer your workplace makes more sense because in the long run, if you compute the cost of going to work, it will all even out. Whenever I start work, I always think about renting a place nearby. However, my need to see my family on a daily basis outweighs any convenience that a transfer would give. In hindsight, I should have not let this feelings stop me.

True, we actually have no choice but to bite the bullet. Everything thus seem to be increasing these days, including the price of sugar. I guess we can always protest (like the signature campaign against the price increase) but will the government listen?

I have to disagree with you. Riding the MRT/LRT is not a right. They can always take the bus if they cannot afford the MRT. I do not understand why the convenience of a few people takes precedence over that of our poorer countrymen. They are not deprived of a choice. MRT/LRT merely affords convenience to a commuter but this is not the only way to travel around the city. I think the government is thinking of ways to subsidize those commuters who need it. Of all the sectors, the students would be most affected - they have to wake up earlier to go to school if they cannot afford the fare.

That is true, MRT/LRT are both subsidized by the government by virtue of BOT law. By increasing the fare, the burden of subsidizing will be borne by those who use the trains. There are only about 10M Filipinos in Metro Manila and about 1-2M ride the train daily, and their convenience is paid for by 88M Filipinos who have no direct benefit to these people's convenience. Doesn't seem fair to me.