LRT stations to close early on Christmas, New Year

MANILA, Philippines - The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) said it will cut short the operating hours at both LRT Lines 1 and 2 on Dec. 24, 25, 30 and 31 and Jan. 1.

LRTA administrator Melquiades Robles said the shorter operating hours would give their staff enough time to rush to their respective homes to celebrate the holidays.

Robles said that the two lines also have low ridership during the late hours on those said dates.

According to their holiday schedule, the last train from Baclaran to Monumento will roll out at 8 p.m. and the last trip from Monumento to Baclaran will be at 8:30 p.m., on Dec. 24 and 31.

On Dec. 25 and 30 and Jan. 1, the last train from Baclaran to Monumento will be at 9 p.m. and the last train from Monumento to Baclaran is at 9:30 p.m, LRTA said in its advisory.

At LRT Line 2, the last train from Santolan to Recto will roll out at 8 p.m. and the last trip from Recto to Santolan will be at 8:30 p.m., on Dec. 24 and 31.

On Dec. 25 and 30 and Jan. 1, the last train from Santolan to Recto will be at 9 p.m. and the last train from Recto to Santolan is at 9:30 p.m.

The LRTA said security personnel stationed at LRT stations will be checking all gift-wrapped items, aside from bags and other hand-carried items.  – Rainier Allan Ronda