LRT 1 operator spent P1B to restore train coaches
The operator of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 in Metro Manila said it spent P1 billion to restore train coaches, a statement on Wednesday showed.
This was in line with an earlier announcement the LRT-1 would increase weekday trips, to cut the waiting time of commuters using the train system, which runs from Baclaran in Paranaque City to Roosevelt in Quezon City, according to operator Light Rail Manila Corp.
“With the expanded fleet, a new train timetable will be implemented increasing the number of trips on weekdays from current 498 to 554 trips daily resulting to shorter queueing time and reduced headway for our passengers,” Light Rail Manila CEO Rogelio Singson said in a statement.
Light Rail Manila said the restoration of the light rail vehicles expanded LRT-1’s fleet of train cars from 77 when it took over in 2015 to 102 as of end of May this year.
Singson said that a proposal for the new timetable to add more trips has been “discussed and welcomed” by the Light Rail Transit Authority administrator Reynaldo Berroya and deputy administrator Felix Leyson.
The restoration program included the sourcing of spare parts from the original European manufacturers of the 32-year-old Generation 1 trains and the 18-year-old generation 2 trains.
“Our engineers have successfully gained the confidence of European spare parts manufacturers such as Alstom, Gerkens, and Knorr Bremse, among others, for the supply of electromechanical parts that were essential to restore LRVs,” Singson said.
“With 102 LRVs available as of May 31, we can now serve the passengers better with increased capacity and shorter waiting time,” he added.
Following the restoration of LRVs, Light Rail Manila has also embarked on body repair of 43 Gen 1 trains to further improve passenger comfort.
The work included the repair of corroded exterior walls and flooring.
“To further improve reliability of the system, full rail replacement of the old system is almost complete ahead of schedule,” the company said. /atm
