Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said he’s not inclined to approve the implementation of a fare increase during his term, stressing that the pandemic has already caused too much economic burden to most Filipinos as it is.
Upon saying this, he appealed to transport groups and operators to desist from asking fare increases during the pandemic as their way of “helping” Filipinos during the health crisis.
“I am appealing to our jeepney drivers, bus operators: We have not implemented any fare increase because during my term, there will be no increases in fare rates. Stop charging passengers more than what is allowed,” he said.
In another development, Tugade also assured the local government of Cavite that his office will implement its free-ride service program in the province. The free-ride service would benefit health-care workers, authorized persons outside of their residences, and other essential workers.
He added that the Cavite Extension of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 is now making strides.
“We are pushing for the completion of the structures and stations so that before the term of the President ends, we will have a partial operability of the LRT 1 Cavite Extension,” he said.
Targeted for completion in about four years after the delivery of easement, the 11.7-kilometer Cavite extension will connect into the existing system immediately south of the Baclaran Station and run in a generally southerly direction to Niyog, Cavite.
It will consist of elevated guideways throughout the majority of the alignment, except for the guideway section at Zapote, which will be located at grade.
The new stations will be accessible to and from nearby community facilities, such as shops, schools, stadium and park, and will be located to suit passenger-flow routes from residential areas.
Pedestrian access to all new stations will be direct, safe and easy. Details, such as lighting to distinguish access points, pedestrian-cross striping and curb cuts for handicapped access, will be provided.