New LRT-1 operator starts system check

MANILA, Philippines - Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the new operator of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), has started its assessment of the trains, substations, tracks and passenger terminals to determine the extent of work needed to improve the train line.

In a statement, LRMC president and chief executive officer Jesus Francisco said the company is prioritizing the baseline requirements for passenger safety and convenience.

“The priority is to bring back more light rail vehicles (LRVs) on the line to reduce the customers’ waiting time,” he said.

The LRMC said they are hopeful the newly acquired LRVs would arrive based on the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and LRT Authority’s timetable.

The government is planning to buy 30 four-car trains or 120 coaches for the LRT-1. The first batch of 18 new train cars to be procured are targeted for delivery by the end of next year.

“We also need to improve the condition of the rails in preparation for the time when we can bring up the trains up to speed,” Francisco said.

The system-wide review likewise covers the LRT-1’s power supply system, line and catenary system, signalling, and telecommunications.

“Together with DOTC and LRTA, LRMC will work to complete the full assessment of Line 1 as soon as possible,” Francisco said.

The LRMC has already started the restoration of lighting at all passenger terminals for enhanced passenger safety.

LRMC is a joint venture company of Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp. (MPLRC), Ayala Corp.’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp. (AC Infra), and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd.

The consortium bagged the P65 billion LRT 1 Cavite extension, operation and maintenance project under the public private partnership program.

The LRMC signed the concession agreement with the DOTC and LRTA for the project on Oct. 2 last year.

On Sept. 12, the LRMC assumed operations of the LRT-1 which covers Roosevelt station until Baclaran station in Metro Manila.