LRT to get facelift with new modernization program, saysadministrator

The first elevated railway system in the country is getting a facelift. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) that revolutionized urban mass transport in Metro Manila on Dec. 1, 1984 will not be the same again.

With President Estrada committed to making life easier for the masses, the LRT will soon carry 40,000 commuters per peak hour per direction, instead of currently only 18,000.

The line will also be extended to Bacoor, Cavite to serve Cavite residents. "We have completed phase 1 of the LRT Line 1 Capacity Expansion Project and we are talking here of two major phases of expansion costing billions of pesos," said Antonio San Luis, Light Rail Transit Authority Administrator.

Phase 1 was undertaken at a cost of P4.1 billion. Phase 2 involves P8.7 billion.

There is also a change in fare collection, from the old system of tokens to the globally-adopted automated system. Recyclable magnetic cards will become the system's fare medium for more convenience.

"We want to provide stress-free travel to millions of commuters who daily depend on the system to transport them unscathed to and from their destinations," added San Luis, whose enthusiasm for what LRT Line 1 will turn out to be is shared by Transportation and Communications Secretary Vicente Rivera Jr.

While refurbishing its existing 2-car trains with 748 seats and 3-car trains that seat 1,122 passengers, the LRT is acquiring seven 4-car trains in Phase 1 and 12 more for Phase 2 of its expansion.

Thirty percent of the existing fleet are now fully airconditioned. More exciting improvements await LRT commuters.