Manila, April 1 -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday said the scheduled fare hike for the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) is necessary to implement necessary upgrades and the extension of the line to Cavite.

"While the DOTr respects the decision of those who want to file an appeal against the fare adjustment in LRT-1, which will take effect starting on Wednesday, April 2, it believes that the fare adjustment is long overdue and is necessary to ensure the operational viability of the rail line and sustain its necessary upgrades for the benefit of the commuting public," it said in a statement.

"This rate increase is needed to not only ensure smooth and timely maintenance of LRT-1 but also the extension of the line all t...