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Article: ADB pushes for LRT fare hike, halt to PNR operations
- Article from:
- The Manila Times
- Article date:
- December 8, 2008
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright Content Parnership Pty Ltd Dec 8, 2008. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) has recommended a fare increase for the two lines of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and a temporary suspension of the operations of the Philippine National Railway (PNR) to reduce state subsidies for these facilities.
In a study, the Manila-based lender said the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), which operates LRT Line 1 and 2, should be allowed to make adjustments in rail tariffs, as failure to do so would require nearly P800 million a year in subsidies through 2015.
The ADB said the subsidy that Metro Manila commuters enjoy comes at the expense of all taxpayers.
The LRT Line 1 charges P12 for the first four stations and P15 for the rest of the route.