GMA leads Megatren inauguration

On the occasion of her 56th birthday, President Arroyo inaugurated yesterday the initial phase of the Light Rail Transit -2, which stretches from Santolan in Pasig City to Cubao in Quezon City.

The President, accompanied by former President Corazon Aquino, Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza, LRTA chief Teddy Cruz Jr. and other government officials, were the first passengers of the Mega-tren, which passes through five cities in Metro Manila – Pasig, Marikina, Quezon City, San Juan and Manila.

"This will help decongest Metro Manila traffic," President Arroyo said during the christening ceremony. "It’s cheaper than jeepney rides and much faster and cleaner."

As birthday gift to the President, LRT-2 management has waived the P12 fare for all commuters until April 9.

Travel time from Santolan to Cubao on the Megatren takes only 10 to 15 minutes.

The Santolan-Cubao stretch spans 4.3 ki-lometers and traverses the traffic-heavy Aurora Boulevard. It has four stations – Santolan, Katipunan, Anonas and Cubao.

The full line of Megatren is expected to serve the public on April 2004, covering the additional stations of Betty Go-Belmonte, Gilmore, J. Ruiz, V. Mapa. Pureza. Legarda and Recto.

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. welcomed the President and her party at the Cubao station upon their arrival. Also present were Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando, and the President’s children, Mikey and Luli.

Cruz, of the LRTA, reported to the President that Phase 1 of the LRT-2 line was finished ahead of schedule.

Once fully operational, the entire LRT-2 will span 13.8 kilometers.

Mrs. Arroyo used the occasion to remind transport and police officials on the need to ensure strict security measures on the new mass transit system, not only to protect commuters from terror attacks but also from petty criminals like cell phone snatchers and pickpockets. – With Non Alquitran