MANILA – Train operations of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2), and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will be suspended from April 17 (Maundy Thursday) to April 20 (Easter Sunday) as part of their annual maintenance activities during the long Holy Week break.
“This Holy Week temporary suspension is a crucial part of our annual maintenance program, allowing us to perform essential upkeep and implement upgrades that will contribute to a more reliable and convenient service for our valued commuters,” Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) president and CEO Enrico Benipayo said in a statement on Monday.
All LRT-1 trains, he said, will undergo testing and inspection before normal operations resume on April 21.
Benipayo said the LRT-1 will follow its normal operating hours from April 14 to 16 (Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday).
The LRT-1’s first trips depart simultaneously from Dr. Santos Station and Fernando Poe Jr. Station at 4:30 a.m., while the last trips leave Dr. Santos Station at 10:30 p.m. and Fernando Poe Jr. Station at 10:45 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) reminded LRT-2 commuters to plan and use alternative transportation during the said dates.
The MRT-3 said, for its part, said MRT-3 will resume its normal operations on Monday, April 21, with its first train trips scheduled at 4:30 a.m. from North Avenue Station, and 5:05 a.m. from Taft Avenue Station.
It added that extended operating hours will be observed on April 16, with the last trains to depart at 10:30 p.m. from North Avenue Station and 11:09 p.m. from Taft Avenue Station.
Extended MRT-3 weekday ops to continue
Meanwhile, the MRT-3 said its extended weekday operations will continue indefinitely following positive feedback from the public after its two-week pilot test from March 24 to 28 and from March 31 to April 4.
During the pilot test period, it said a total of 61,004 passengers were served during the additional operating hour.
In addition to extending its weekday operating hours, the MRT-3 will continue to deploy an additional train set during rush hours.
“Both initiatives are aimed at catering to the needs of more passengers, especially workers whose jobs are scheduled in the evening,” it said. (PNA)
