Shorter hours for LRT, MRT

With fewer people expected to take to the streets on Dec. 24 and 31, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) announced Thursday that Metro Manila’s three overhead light trains will observe shorter operating hours on these dates.

But at the same time, the DOTC assured the public that despite the shortened operating hours, the reliability of services and the safety of passengers would not be compromised, adding that security measures would be intensified.

“In line with the DOTC’s ‘Safe Christmas’ campaign, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Authority will tighten security measures to ensure a safe and convenient journey for all holiday makers during the Christmas break,” it said in a statement.

It added that on Dec. 24, the last train of the LRT Line 1 will leave Baclaran station at 8 p.m. On the southbound side, the last train from Roosevelt station will also leave at 8 p.m.

For LRT Line 2, the last eastbound train will leave Recto station at 8:30 p.m. while on the westbound lane, the last train from Santolan station will depart at 8 p.m.

On Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve, the last trains of both lines will leave an hour earlier. The normal train schedules will be observed on all other days.

For Metro Rail Transit (MRT) commuters, the last northbound train will leave Taft Avenue station at 9 p.m. while the last southbound train from North Avenue station will depart at 8:30 p.m. on both Dec. 24 and 31.

Meanwhile, LRT administrator Rafael Rodriguez apologized to passengers who will be asked to open their wrapped Christmas gifts as security personnel have been instructed to strictly implement the “no inspection, no entry” policy.