MANILA, Philippines — The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) is planning to reopen three LRT Line 2 stations hit by a fire by September, an official said yesterday.
The LRT-2’s Santolan, Katipunan and Anonas stations were shut down in October 2019 after a fire destroyed a rectifier in the Katipunan area.
During yesterday morning’s Laging Handa briefing, LRTA spokesman Hernando Cabrera said the stations may be reopened in September if they are able to resume and complete the procurement process for the project next month.
“With the timetable that we are able to award (the contracts) within June, they would have July, August, until the end of September to make the temporary power supply system,” Cabrera said in the briefing.
Since last year, the fire left the three stations unusable as repairs were not immediately started.
The three stations’ closure was scheduled for nine months. The other stations, from Recto to Araneta Center, operated normally until the government shut down all modes of public transport as part of a lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019.
Cabrera also said there would be no fare increase for LRT-1 and LRT-2 once they resume operations.
The Department of Transportation earlier said the LRT-1 will carry 158 passengers per trip or 12 percent of its capacity while the LRT-2 will carry 160 passengers per trip or 10 percent of its capacity.
‘Apprehended’
The National Capital Region Police Office has offered its services to the LRTA. Passengers who defy social distancing and other quarantine protocols or instigate disorder would be “apprehended,” according to NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas.
“We have a plan to deploy 500 personnel in different LRT stations, depending on their request. We will be reasonably strict,” Sinas said.
Simulation
Also yesterday, the NCRPO and the LRTA staged a simulation exercise at the LRT-2’s Recto station to prepare for the enforcement of social distancing once the rail lines resume operations.
At least 500 police trainees, acting as passengers, took a train ride to and from Cubao.
LRTA administrator Reynaldo Berroya appealed to commuters to use the ticket vending machines and allot extra time for their trips since each train will carry a maximum of 160 passengers and only two persons will be allowed in elevators.
Passengers will be provided monobloc chairs while waiting in line.
Security personnel will not frisk passengers, who will not be allowed entry if they fail to wear masks and have their bags inspected. Neil Jayson Servallos, Rey Galupo