31 August 2016, MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) passengers can expect less of the track noise and rough ride while onboard the trains as Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) recently commenced the installation of new rails from Baclaran to 5thAvenue stations.
According to LRMC Engineering Director Rudy Chansuyco, “This is also good news for those living in close proximity to the stations as these new set of rails will notably decrease vibrations and lessen noise levels coming from the trains.”
The project covers 21 kilometers of rail tracks on the northbound route and five kilometers on the southbound route. These replacements will be the final phase to complete the overall rehabilitation of the LRT-1’s tracks system.
Previous operator Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) completed the first phase of rail replacements along the southbound route last December 2015 on top of the eight kilometers already replaced in previous years.
These rail replacements are part of the systematic upgrades being done by LRMC to improve the facilities and services for the more than 400,000 passengers of LRT-1 daily. LRT-1 trains currently run at 40 kph. In the coming year, once rail replacements are finished, the maximum speed is expected to reach 60 kph. The replaced rails will also increase the lifespan of the light rail vehicles or LRVs, avoid wear and tear of the rolling stock, and ensure the reliability of the whole train system.