The Light Rail Transit Line-1 (LRT-1) conducts a train test run in phase 1 of the Cavite Extension on December 19, 2023. (Photo from LRTA)
MANILA, Philippines — The first phase of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 Cavite extension project is almost complete and on track to start operations by the fourth quarter of the year, its private operator reported on Wednesday.
The Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) said the project had already registered 97 percent completion, with work ongoing on the staircase and louver installation, secondary steelwork, drainage work, and telecommunication infrastructure setup, among others.
The railway operator is also conducting test runs of LRT 1 trains to ensure compatibility and readiness for operations. The Cavite extension project phase 1 is composed of five stations — Redemptorist Station, Manila International Airport Station, Asia World Station, Ninoy Aquino Station, and Dr. Santos Station.
Spanning 6.2 kilometers in the major cities of Quezon City, Caloocan, Manila, Pasay, and Parañaque, it can service up to 600,000 passengers daily.
Phase 2, on the other hand, consists of Las Piñas Station and Zapote Station, while the third and last phase is the Niog Station.
800,000 passengers daily
In its entirety, the 11.8-km-long project is designed to cater to up to 800,000 passengers per day. “This vital infrastructure project that LRMC is spearheading will not only bridge physical distances but also act as a catalyst for economic activity, creating new opportunities for businesses, trade, and commerce to flourish,” LRMC president and chief executive officer Juan Alfonso said.
READ: LRT-1 Cavite extension phase 1 now 97% complete, may open in 4Q of 2024
On Aug. 2, 2023, a fare hike took effect as the railway operator sought to generate more infrastructure upgrades and maintenance revenues. The increase had been approved in June.
The minimum boarding fare went up to P13.29 from P11, while the additional per kilometer rose to P1.29 from P1.
Under the revised fare matrix, LRT 1 rides paid via stored value cards now cost between P14 and P35 (from the previous P12 to P30), while single journey tickets are priced from P15 to P35 (formerly P15 to P30).
The last approved fare hike for the rail line was in 2015. The LRMC filed petitions for adjustments in 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022 but all were deferred.