Government deploys 20 trial buses to ease LRT-2 morning rush congestion

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon led an inspection at the Antipolo Station of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) on Wednesday morning, Nov. 4, announcing the immediate rollout of a 20-bus trial run to relieve severe commuter bottlenecks along the line. Bea Cuadra, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon led an inspection at the Antipolo Station of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) on Wednesday morning, Nov. 4, announcing the immediate rollout of a 20-bus trial run to relieve severe commuter bottlenecks along the line.

The intervention targets peak-hour congestion between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., where an estimated 4,000 commuters cannot be accommodated by the current train capacity, said Dizon.

“Sampu na lang ang umaandar. Yun na ang maximum… 25-27 years na yung mga tren, hindi na napalitan,” Dizon said. “Minsan, meron pang dalawa. Minsan, tatlo na masisira. Mababawasan yun ulit… So, talagang hindi kakayanin sa dami ng mga sumasakay na commuters dito sa linyang ito, lalo ng mga estudyante.”

He explained that procuring new train cars is not an immediate option, as transit officials estimate acquisition will take three to four years alongside budgetary constraints.

To provide immediate relief, the DOTr deployed 20 trial buses starting Wednesday, operating routes from Antipolo to Cubao and extending to Legarda to serve students heading to the University Belt and other commuters.

Transport officials estimated bus travel time between Antipolo and Manila at 1.5 to 2 hours during rush hour.

To evaluate the commuter experience directly, Dizon, alongside Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Director Gab Go and acting chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Greg Pua, boarded the initial bus run bound for Legarda.

Officials are also studying whether an EDSA Busway-style dedicated lane can be implemented along Marcos Highway.

Standard bus fares for the route are set at P80 to Legarda, but the DOTr negotiated a 20 percent discount, bringing standard fares to P66 and student fares to P55.

Each bus carries a capacity of 45 seated passengers and up to 70 total with standing room.

Dizon acknowledged that structural fixes for LRT-2 will take time, asking for patience from the public while alternative road options are established.

“Hihingi na ako ng paumanhin sa mga kababayan natin. Hindi madaling solusyonan itong kakulangan ng tren sa LRT2. Tatapatin ko na kayo… Sasabihin ko sa inyo kung anong totoo,” Dizon said, noting that the government is working with commuter advocacy groups such as the Move As One Coalition, while coordinating with local government units and existing Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) franchise holders.

To resolve long-term operational issues, the government is preparing to place LRT-2 and MRT-3 under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) schemes, focusing on operation and maintenance.

“May plano naman talagang i-PPP ito,” said Dizon.

He clarified that fare adjustments will remain strictly under government authority.

“Pag sinabi nating PPP, hindi ibig sabihin nun tataas ang pasahe. Kasi ang control ng pasahe nasa gobyerno pa rin. Ang i-PPP natin, yung operations and maintenance. At yung mabilis ang pag-procure at pag-maintain ng mga tren,” he explained.

Addressing broader Metro Manila transport issues, Dizon indicated that the DOTr and LTFRB will re-evaluate current caps on PUV units and rider limits across the capital.

“Itong mga regulasyon ng maximum number of PUV, maximum number of riders, maximum number of buses, tingin ko kailangan pag-aralan natin mabuti ito dahil tingin ko yung mga maximum na yan, baka hindi na yan applicable ngayon kasi kulang na kulang ang sasakyan ng mga kababayan natin,” Dizon noted.

Regarding the EDSA Busway, Dizon addressed public confusion over private vehicle access, confirming that adjustments made during Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) maintenance work allowed cars to enter certain barrier lanes temporarily, but emphasized that the dedicated bus lane itself remains strictly reserved for public buses.