LRT to allow barefoot devotees to ride trains Wednesday

A replica of the iconic Black Nazarene NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines—The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) said it will allow barefoot devotees to board its trains on Wednesday, the day of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

LRTA Officer-in-Charge, Engineer Emerson Benitez, said it would relax its rule “in deference to the customary celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.”

He, however, said that tight security will be implemented and  the “No inspection, No Entry” policy will be observed.

He said ridership is expected to surge on this day due to expected heavy traffic.

LRTA has recorded 620,987 passengers on the LRT Line 1 system last January 9, 2012 during the Feast of the Black Nazarene, while it has achieved its all-time highest ridership in both lines in a single day with 658,627 passengers and 234,450 for line 1 and 2 respectively during the Iglesia ni Cristo bible exposition in Luneta last February 28, 2012.

Benitez said LRTA will deploy a number of station and security personnel to attend to all passengers. Help-desks, additional medical personnel and Red Cross volunteers will also be on hand at the UN Avenue, Central, Carriedo, D. Jose and Recto stations.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority earlier said the procession of the Black Nazarene will start around 7 a.m.

It will take the following route:

From Quirino Grandstand (Luneta), right Katigbak Drive thru P. Burgos; left Taft Avenue (P.Burgos) thru McArthur Bridge; right Palanca, thru under Quezon Bridge; left Quezon Boulevard; right Fraternal; right Vergara; left Duque de Alba; left Castillejos; left farnecio; right Arlegui; left Nepomuceno; left Aguila; right Carcer; right Hidalgo thru Plaza Del Carmen; left Bilibid Viejo thru Puyat; left Guzman; right Hidalgo; left Barbosa; right Globo de Oro thru under Quezon Bridge; right Palanca; right Villalobos thru Plaza Miranda to Quiapo Church. Jamie Marie Elona