Gatchalian tells LRTA to ‘seriously look’ into privatization of LRT-2

MANILA, Philippines — The management of Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) should study privatization of the Light Rail Transit-2 (LRT-2) after the train’s operations were paralyzed due to a rectifier that caught fire, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Tuesday.

“The LRTA needs to seriously look into the privatization of the operation and maintenance of the LRT-2 in order to avoid disruptions in operations,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

LRT-2 was forced to implement partial operations as trips will only be from Cubao Terminal in Quezon City to C.M. Recto Avenue Station in Manila and vice versa. Anonas, Katipunan, and Santolan stations remain closed.

READ: LRT 2 partial operations start today, Oct. 8

But before the said partial operations, LRT-2 was shut down on Oct. 3 which prompted government offices to give alternative solutions for passengers dependent on using the train.

READ: Gov’t, firm scramble to help 200,000 passengers get rides daily during LRT 2 suspension

Gatchalian, however, emphasized that LRTA should also look into the long-term viability of train.

“Aside from offering free rides for affected commuters, LRTA should also prepare for long-term viability of LRT-2,” Gatchalian said in Filipino.

But Gatchalian added that privatization of LRT-2 operations is the best solution for now. /je