The operators of Manila’s light rail transit systems are completing contingency measures to dampen the effects on commuters of the week-long transport strike set to begin next week.
“Internally, we are preparing to ensure essential manpower and service availability for LRT-1, as well as prepare for possible surges in ridership, during the period,” Jacqueline Gorospe, head of communications and customer relations at the Light Rail Manila Corp., said.
“LRT-1 will be operational from 430am (first trip) to 1015pm (last trip) to serve our commuters,” she added.
LRMC operates LRT Line 1, which runs from Roosevelt in Quezon City to Baclaran in Pasay City.
On LRT Line 2, Hernando Cabrera, LTRA administrator said, “We have already finalized our contingency plan, kasama dito the implementation of extended operations of around 30 minutes if the need arises.”
Cabrera also said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) road sector division is preparing to deploy fare-free buses to help commuters that will be affected by the transport strike
The Megatren, more popularly known by its generic name Line 2, is a 13.8km mass transit line that traverses five cities in Metro Manila, namely Pasig, Marikina, Quezon City, San Juan and Manila) along the major thoroughfares of Marcos Highway, Aurora Boulevard, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, Legarda and Recto Avenue.
The leader of the Manibela transport group, Mar Valbuena, previously said more than 100,000 jeepney and UV Express drivers in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, and Cagayan De Oro are expected to participate in the strike in protest of the government’s PUV Modernization Program.
The transport strike will start on March 6 at 7 a.m. and lasts until March 12.
