EXPECT higher fares in the Metro Rail Transit 3 come the first quarter of 2024, the Department of Transportation said.

"Next year na 'yung MRT-3. I understand ipepresent 'yan sa LRTA board. Next year na natin pag-usapan...Hindi naman sila masyadong mahihirapan kung hindi natin kaagad ibibigay 'yung fare increase na hinihingi nila. Most probably first quarter, next year," DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said over an interview over TeleRadyo Serbisyo.

Earlier, the MRT-3 management said that they are asking for an additional P2.29 for the boarding fee and P0.21 increase per kilometer.

Once approved the minimum fare will go up to P16 from the current P13.

An end-to-end trip from North Avenue station to Taft Avenue station meanwhile will go up to P34 from the current P28.

Presently, the national government is subsidizing a significant portion of MRT-3 fares.