Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) on Friday announced a temporary three-weekend suspension of LRT-1 operations to accelerate preparations for the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 opening in the fourth quarter this year.
The temporary suspension will be implemented on the following weekends (Saturday and Sunday): August 17-18, August 24-25, and August 31-September 1, 2024. During these periods, no commercial train service will be available from Fernando Poe Jr. Station to Baclaran Station.
The three-weekend closure aims to integrate the existing system of LRT-1 with the Cavite Extension in terms of signaling system, perform system operation demonstration tests, and conduct the necessary operational exercises to ensure the safety and reliability of the extended system.
“This system migration is a critical step in ensuring the safe and efficient operations of the extended LRT-1 line. We understand the inconvenience this may cause to our passengers; however, we would like to assure that the temporary closures will result in long-term convenience once the extended LRT-1 line becomes operational. We are working diligently to complete this project as safely, efficiently, and quickly as possible,” LRMC General Manager Enrico Benipayo said.
The new signaling baseline will integrate the operations of the five new stations under Phase 1 from Redemptorist-Aseana Station to Dr. Santos (formerly Sucat) Station with the existing system from Fernando Poe Jr. Station to Baclaran Station. The construction of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 is progressing as scheduled with its 99 percent completion rate as of end-May this year.
LRMC, together with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), has coordinated with various partners as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the local government units of Quezon City, Caloocan City, Manila City, and Pasay City in order to support the affected commuters.
During the temporary LRT-1 weekend closure, commuters are advised to plan their trips accordingly and use alternative transportation options such as buses, the EDSA Carousel, and jeepneys.
The LRMC has coordinated with the LTFRB for additional buses and requested additional traffic enforcers and crowd control personnel from MMDA and local government partners. More details about alternative transportation options will be shared with the general public in the coming days.
LRMC appeals for understanding and cooperation as it implements this crucial step to improve the overall LRT-1 passenger experience.
