The private sector consortium that won the right to operate and expand the Light Rail Transit Line 1 said it would begin an improvement project on train stations starting December this year.
Light Rail Manila Corp., which is backed by Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Ayala Corp., said the move was part of a broader plan to focus on “quick wins,” ahead of the arrival of additional train cars between 2017 and 2018.
“When government brings in new light rail vehicles, we expect passenger traffic to increase; thus, the need to make sure that the stations are ready to handle the expanded capacity,” LRMC president and CEO Jesus P. Francisco said on Thursday.
Station improvements will focus on better lighting, safety and passenger flow, LRMC expected to spend about P500 million over 15 to 18 months for all 20 stations at LRT-1.
LRMC said the station improvement project will start at the Doroteo Jose Station by December this year.
This will be followed by the two biggest stations, Central and Baclaran, and three smaller stations, R. Papa, Abad Santos, and Gil Puyat on March 2016.
LRMC added that the remaining four stations would start in May and August 2016.
“The station improvement project complements our plan to enhance passenger safety, comfort and convenience and is aligned with our objective of improving the efficiency of the LRT1 system,” Francisco said.
LRT Line 1 currently accommodates a daily average of 400,000 commuters from Baclaran in Pasay City to Roosevelt in Quezon City.
LRMC took over operation and maintenance of LRT Line 1 on Sept. 12. The venture is also responsible for the construction of the 11.7-kilometer extension from the present end point at Baclaran to the Niog area in Bacoor, Cavite.
The extended rail line is expected to help increase the capacity of LRT 1 from 500,000 to 800,000 passengers daily. This is expected ease congestion in the Southern part of Metro Manila, which is home to over four million residents.