In order to complete the necessary works for the upgrade of its existing signalling system, private operator and maintenance provider Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) is announcing a temporary suspension of LRT-1 operations on 28 November 2021, 23 January 2022, and 30 January 2022 (Sunday).
LRMC, together with its contractor, will be performing a series of test runs and trial runs along the LRT Line 1 on the identified dates to confirm the readiness of the new signalling system for LRT-1. Railway signalling (or the “traffic light system” for railway) is a system used to direct railway traffic and keep trains clear of each other at all times, ensuring smooth and safe operations.
The upgrade to the new Alstom signalling system is needed to accommodate the commercial use of 4th Generation train sets on the existing system, which is targeted to begin in mid-2022.
“We look forward to the many exciting developments lined up for LRT-1 in 2022. The migration to the new signalling system underscores LRMC’s commitment in modernizing the LRT-1 and delivering better service to our customers. We would like to request the understanding of our passengers for this temporary inconvenience, and would like to assure them that this will be beneficial in the long-run,” said Enrico R. Benipayo, LRMC Chief Operating Officer.
The riding public is advised to plan trips ahead of time and be guided accordingly on passenger advisories from LRMC.
For more updates and info on the LRT-1, follow LRMC on Facebook at facebook.com/officialLRT1, Twitter at @officialLRT1, or download the ikotMNL mobile app for free on Google Play and App Store.
LRMC is a joint venture company of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation and Sumitomo Corporation’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corporation (MPLRC), Ayala Corporation’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation (AC Infra), and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd. (MIHPL). It assumed operations and maintenance of LRT-1 in September 2015 through a PHP 65-billion 32-year concession agreement with the Department of Transportation and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA). LRT-1 has ISO certifications for Quality & Environmental Management Systems (ISO 9001 and ISO 14001).