Commuters going inside MRT-3 train. ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA — As the LRT-1 hiked fares on Wednesday, April 2, Senior Citizen Party-list called on operators of mass transit lines to prioritize services and implement more welfare policies for seniors and for persons with disabilities.

Senior Citizen Party-list Rep. Ompong Ordanes in a release said most seniors and PWDs has no "priority access" on elevators in train stations and are often "eased aside" by other commuters.

"Worst of all, sometimes the elevators are not even working, to the detriment of everyone," he said.

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Ordanes said there have been instances when other commuters would supposedly disrespect seniors and PWDs.

The party-list representative said seniors must also be properly guided on the discounts they are entitled to.

"The single journey, preloaded, and reloadable 'Beep' fare ticket cards sold to them must be discounted by 20 percent. Some seniors are unaware of the discounted tickets they can avail of by simply presenting their senior citizen ID," he said.

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The party-list said the process must be easier and more seamless for seniors.

Ordanes aired his sentiments as well on the cleanliness of stations, saying seniors and PWDs are vulnerable to dirt and infection.

"We also request the MRT management to make sure cleanliness is consistent on designated rail coaches seniors and PWDs ride. Those coaches must be sanitized often to minimize spread of microbes. Seniors are especially vulnerable to infection," he said.

LRT-1 fare hike to take effect on April 2

The minimum fare on LRT-1 has been raised to P20 from P15 while a single journey end-to-end trip is now P55, a fare hike that Sen. Win Gatchalian said "should entail marked improvement in commuter services, particularly in the light of LRT1's extended operating hours."

He said operator Light Rail Manila Corp. should increase train availability, implement efficient fare collection and improve security on the line.

"Facilities within train stations such as restrooms, waiting areas, access features such as elevators and  escalators should also be improved to enhance overall passenger experience," he said.

He said that the fare increase leaves LRMC no excuse not to give improved and uninterrupted service.

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