LRT 2 project linking Recto, Tondo kicking off in 2025

The construction of Light Rail Transit 2’s (LRT 2) 3.02-kilometer West Extension project, which links Recto to Tondo area, is targeted to start next year, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista told reporters last week they were eyeing to secure the funding for the P10.12-billion project this year. “We’re still working on it,” he said.

Light Rail Transport Authority had stressed the need to receive the multiyear financing commitment from the government the soonest to proceed with the project bidding.

The West Extension project seeks to add three more stations from Recto: Tutuban, Divisoria and Pier 4.

The DOTr is looking at completing the project via a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme amid the proposed plan to privatize the operations and maintenance of the railway in the future.

The government has been going the PPP route due to limited budget as a result of the pandemic’s impact on the economy.

In fact, the government is studying to bundle into one package the operations of LRT 2 and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3). The private concession of Sobrepeña-led Metro Rail Transit Corp. over MRT 3 is set to expire next year, which means it will have to transfer the asset to the government by then.

The DOTr is working with the PPP Center of the Philippines to study the viability of the bundled contract, a first for the country.

Minimum boarding fare at LRT 2 increased to P13.29 from P11 last August while the additional fare per km rose to P1.29 from P1.

LRT 2 store card value holders now pay P14 up to P33 (from P12 to P28) while single-journey ticket rides cost passengers P15 up to P35 (from P15 to P30). INQ