The new 4th generation train sets to be added to the Light Railway Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) in Pasay City on July 19, 2023. | PHOTO: INQUIRER.net/Jean Mangaluz
MANILA, Philippines — A new train will be added to the Light Railway Transit Line 1 or LRT 1 beginning Thursday.
This route starts from Roosevelt in Quezon city up to Baclaran in Pasay city.
LRT 1 operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) held the inauguration of the new train on Wednesday.
The train, that comes as a set of coaches, underwent a series of inspections that took two years.
It arrived in the Philippines in 2021.
Japanese government, through Japan International Cooperation Agency, funded the purchase.
LRT-1 operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) said more trains are set to arrive.
“Currently, there are 20 4th Generation train sets already in the Philippines, and the remaining ten train sets are still expected to arrive from Mexico between November 2023 and February 2024,” the corporation reported.
‘Fourth generation’ means the train can accommodate about 1,300 passengers and the engine can run at a maximum speed of 70 kilometers per hour.
“Complete deployment of the 30 train sets on the main line is expected by Q4 2024 when the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project opens,” LMRC said.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos attended the inauguration.
In his speech, the Chief Executive said, “I assure you that this administration will continue to pursue more public transportation projects that will improve our people’s mobility and interconnectivity, as well as to enhance the quality of each Filipino.”
The President said about 800,000 passengers a day will benefit from new transportation system.
He also added travel time between Pasay and Bacoor will be cut from one hour and ten minutes to only 25 minutes.
Marcos is referring to the situation that will arise once the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project is completed.
Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Japanese envoy to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa, and LRMC chairperson Manny Pangilinan were present in the event.
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