Bayan seeks suspension of MRT-LRT fare hike

The Metro Rail Transit (MRT 3) shall implement the new distance-base fare scheme effective January 4, 2015 as displayed on Saturday (January 3, 2015) at the MRT station in Pasay City. (PNA photo by Gil S. Calinga)

MANILA — Militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan is urging for the suspension of the metro railways fare hike following “the continuing deterioration” and the technical glitches of its trains.

“The government has lost all legal and moral basis to continue implementing the fare increase. Services continue to deteriorate every month,” Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr said in a statement Wednesday.

The group added that the inconvenience caused by the trains to public should prompt the government to suspend the fare hike implemented on January 2015.

Reyes also cited the air-conditioning systems that are not working and the long lines that the commuters have to endure because there are not enough trains.

He added that despite all these inconvenience, the stations are still asking commuters to pay high fares.

“It is the height of injustice. Commuters should at least be spared high fares in a time when government cannot even deliver the most basic train services,” he said.

“A government with an ounce of compassion for its people will not allow this injustice to continue,” Reyes said .