DOTr studying train line upgrades – Dizon

Light Rail Transit Line 1

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is reviewing potential system upgrades for all train lines, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said on Friday.

The move comes after the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) operated on limited service for nearly an entire day last Wednesday due to an electrical fault.

READ: LRT-1 limits operations due to electrical fault

“The train systems are old… really old. Especially LRT-1, which was the very first one, built back in the ’80s,” Dizon said in an interview with reporters.

“So it really needs to be properly maintained, and we’re already thinking about possible upgrades,” he added.

Dizon said the DOTr is carefully assessing the costs of the upgrades, particularly the replacement of catenary wire systems. These are the overhead lines seen above trains on LRT-1 and other railways that supply electric power to the trains.

“That needs to be carefully studied. In the meantime, I told the train operators that response and repairs must be quick to minimize disruptions,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dizon directed all train lines to provide compensation to affected passengers during such incidents./mcm