LRTA, LTFRB in talks on special bus permits for LRT-2 route

MANILA — The Light Rail Transit Authority on Monday said it is coordinating with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on deployment of buses along the LRT-2 route.

The move follows the Department of Transportation’s directive for both agencies to study issuing special permits for buses plying the Antipolo-Recto route to ease overcrowding, with only eight of LRT-2’s 10 train sets currently operational. One is undergoing an upgrade, while another is being repaired.

 LRTA Administrator Hernando Cabrera said the purpose of the meeting was to coordinate the placement of bus stops at LRT-2 stations.

“So pareho ‘yung ruta nila to serve yung mga di talaga makasakay ng Line 2 especially during peak hour.”

(So they will have the same route, to serve those who cannot get on Line 2 especially during peak hour.) 

Cabrera said passenger volume is highest at Antipolo Station during the morning rush hour, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., when more commuters flock to the station.

Meanwhile, the DOTr is awaiting additional funding to purchase new trains for the LRT-2.

Cabrera said the line’s train sets are already around 30 years old, making them prone to maintenance issues. 

“Kaya on a good day we can deploy ‘yung sampu, but pag mamalasin, ‘yung isa diyan masisira,” he said.

(On a good day, we can deploy all 10 but there is a risk that one will malfunction.)

He said that on LRT-1 and the MRT-3, coaches can be easily replaced. The sets on the LRT-2 have to be taken off the line in case of a malfunction.

Aside from limited train operations, the LRT-2 is also facing a surge in ridership, with daily passenger volume reaching around 254,000 in recent months, up from the pervious average of 190,000.

“And the reason for that is naka 50 percent discount kami tapos another thing marami nang nagte-tren kasi nga mahal na ng gasolina,” he said.

(And the reason for that is the 50-percent fare discount and that many are taking the train because of high fuel prices.)

Cabrera added the LRTA implements crowd-control measures when platforms become too crowded, including temporarily restricting passenger entry and turning off escalators to prevent overcrowding.

Meanwhile, the LRTA is also addressing complaints about overcrowding at the LRT-1 PITX Station, where passengers buying tickets, entering through the gates and exiting the station share the same limited space.

Cabrera said the ticket-selling area will be relocated outside the station’s congested section, with the project targeted for completion within the year.

He added that while Light Rail Manila Corp. operates LRT-1, the station’s ticketing system falls under a separate contract handled by the DOTr and a contractor.

As a long-term solution, Cabrera said the DOTr has written to LRMC regarding plans to open another entrance at the opposite end of the station.