DOTC reconsidering LRT 2 extension plan

LRT Line 2. PHOTO FROM LRTA.GOV.PH

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Transportation and Communications said a study on a separate extension of the 13.8-kilometer Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT 2) to Manila’s port area, previously deemed “unfeasible,” has been revived, its top official said.

Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya told reporters on Wednesday that the department was again studying the plan with Japan International Cooperation Agency, which was earlier tapped by the government to formulate a transport plan for Mega Manila.

The DOTC, which has been having difficulty in bidding out major railway deals, is in the process of bidding out the consulting and engineering works for the extension of the LRT-2 by 4.2-km to the east to Masinag, Rizal.

Abaya did not provide details on the planned extension to the port area in Manila.

“Initially, given the situation in the area, it wasn’t viable… But if you look at it and the bigger picture, you can justify the project,” Abaya noted at the sidelines of the opening of a new passenger terminal in Manila North Harbor.

He said the proposed project “deserved a second look” given the benefits that a mass transportation railway could give to the areas that would be covered.

“It really opens up opportunities,” he said.

The planned railway is seen to complement other infrastructure projects set for the area. These include an 8-km toll road that will be built by the road arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. That project would link the port area to Metro Pacific’s North Luzon Expressway.

Abaya, meanwhile, noted that another public-private partnership deal, the P1.72-billion Automated Fare Collection System, would be delayed further.

The submission date was moved from October to Nov. 18.