THE long-delayed fare hike for the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), which took effect today, is not actually the biggest news concerning Metro Manila's commuter rail system this week. The more intriguing and impactful announcement was that the government is beginning the process to consider how to realign operations and maintenance (O&M) of the ill-starred Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), once the build-lease-transfer agreement between the government and the Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC) expires in 2025. The alternative plan described by the transportation undersecretary for railways, Cesar Chavez, is a sound idea, provided it is carried out sensibly.

Premium + Digital Edition

Ad-free access


P 80 per month
(billed annually at P 960)
  • Unlimited ad-free access to website articles
  • Limited offer: Subscribe today and get digital edition access for free (accessible with up to 3 devices)

TRY FREE FOR 14 DAYS
See details
See details