No LRT-1 operations for three weekends

MANILA, Philippines — The Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) is suspending operations for three weekends to make way for the integration of its extension to Sucat, Parañaque, which is close to opening.

The Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), operator of LRT-1, is closing down train services for three weekends to link the current line to the initial segment of the Cavite extension.

LRMC will suspend LRT-1 operations from Baclaran to Fernando Poe Jr., formerly Roosevelt, stations on Aug. 17 to 18; Aug. 24 to 25; and Aug. 31 to Sept. 1.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said additional buses would be deployed in the areas covered by LRT-1.

LRMC general manager Enrico Benipayo said the operator would conduct a series of integration works on LRT-1 during the weekends. The LRMC will carry out demonstration tests and operational exercises to ensure that the extension is safe and reliable for commuter use.

The goal is to activate the five new stations under the first phase of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project: Redemptorist, MIA, Asia World, Ninoy Aquino and Dr. Santos.

 Afterward, these stations will be hooked to the existing line from Baclaran to Fernando Poe Jr., requiring adjustments in the signaling system.

“The temporary closure will result in long-term convenience once the extended LRT-1 line becomes operational,” Benipayo said.

As of May, LRMC has finished 99 percent of the first leg of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project, putting it on track for opening toward the end of the year.

The second and third phases of the Cavite extension will bring the railway to Las Piñas City and Cavite, but LRMC has yet to commit to a timeline for these projects due to right-of-way issues.