An LRT-1 train approaches Balintawak station. (Image from LRMC)
MANILA, Philippines — The Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) management on Thursday announced that there will more scheduled trips and adjusted weekend operating hours by October 1.
The Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), in a statement said that the move was due to the increase in the number of commuters in Metro Manila due to the return of in-person classes in different schools and universities near LRT-1 stations, as well as the approaching Christmas holiday season
The LRMC said it will implement a new train timetable increasing the number of trips on weekdays from 410 to 460 , and on weekends from 293 to 331 on Saturdays and 307 on Sundays.
“Our transport capacity will increase by almost 10 percent for weekday operations and about 20 percent on weekends. We at LRMC are continuously thinking of ways to better serve our passengers with increased capacity and shorter waiting time,” LRMC Chief Operating Officer Rolando Paulino III said.
LRT-1 will also begin implementing adjusted operating hours on weekends and holidays also by October 1.
On weekends and holidays, the first train will depart Baclaran and Fernando Poe Jr. stations at 5:00 a.m., with the last trip from Baclaran Station at 9:30 p.m. and Fernando Poe Jr. Station at 9:45 p.m.
No changes, on the other hand, will be made in the weekday schedule.
“The changes at the start of the operating hours on weekends/holidays will allow us to have more time to perform track works as part of our initiatives in upgrading the LRT-1 system. The primary goal of these upgrade efforts is to provide efficient transportation for our dear commuters. We assure you that safety remains a top priority for LRMC,” Paulino said.