07 June 2017 MANILA PHILIPPINES—Commuters can expect improved comfort on Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) as private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) recently completed the rehabilitation of additional trains.
While awaiting the procurement of 120 new light rail vehicles (LRVs) by the Philippine Government, LRMC has embarked on a P1-billion program for the restoration of LRVs and improve system reliability. The restoration of 25 LRVs has expanded the current fleet of LRT-1 from 77 when the company took over LRT-1 to 102 LRVs at end-May this year.
LRMC President and Chief Executive Officer Rogelio L. Singson disclosed, “With the expanded fleet a new train timetable will be implemented increasing the number of trips on weekdays from current 498 to 554 trips daily resulting to shorter queueing time and reduce headway for our passengers. ”
Singson said that a proposal for the new timetable to add more trips has been discussed and welcomed by the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Administrator Reynaldo Berroya and Deputy Administrator Felix Leyson.
The restoration program included the sourcing of spare parts from the original European manufacturers of the 32-year old Generation 1 trains and the 18-year old Generation 2 trains. “Our engineers have successfully gained the confidence of European spare parts manufacturers such as Alstom, Gerkens, and Knorr Bremse, among others, for the supply of electromechanical parts that were essential to restore LRVs,” Singson said.
“With 102 LRVs available as of May 31, we can now serve the passengers better with increased capacity and shorter waiting time,” Singson explained.
Following the restoration of LRVs, LRMC has also embarked on body repair of 43 Gen 1 trains to further improve passenger comfort. The work included the repair of corroded exterior walls and floorings. To further improve reliability of the system, full rail replacement of the old system is almost complete ahead of schedule.
