LRMC leads high-level site inspection with DOTr, DOF, DPWH, MMDA, JICA, and Paranaque LGU
The construction of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 is progressing as scheduled with its 98.2% completion rate as of end April 2024. The project will add 6.2 kilometers to the existing LRT-1 line from Baclaran Station in Pasay City to Dr. Santos Station in Paranaque City, significantly improving the connectivity of southern Metro Manila.
LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) President/CEO Jose Ma. K. Lim and LRMC General Manager Enrico R. Benipayo welcomed various government partners during a high-level site inspection conducted by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) headed by Secretary Jaime J. Bautista and Assistant Secretary for Railways Jorjette Aquino.
Joining the inspection activity are Finance Secretary Ralph Recto; Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral; Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes; Paranaque City District 1 Representative Congress Edwin Olivarez; Paranaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez; Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Chief Representative Takema Sakamoto; Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Administrator Atty. Hernando Cabrera; and Embassy of Japan Representative Masahi Ide.
DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista commended LRMC and its partner contractors for the substantial completion of the five new stations. During the site inspection, he witnessed the finishing touches being applied, ensuring the project remains on track for its target commercial opening in the fourth quarter of 2024.
“We are grateful to Secretary Bautista for taking the time to visit the project site and for the support given by the DOTr. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our contractors, Bouygues and Alstom, and to the whole LRMC team for their commitment in making this crucial infrastructure project a reality,” LRMC General Manager Enrico R. Benipayo said.
The five new stations under Phase 1 are currently at various stages of completion with Redemptorist Station registering 97.4%; MIA Station at 97.2%; Asia World Station at 90.4%; Ninoy Aquino Station at 93.5%; and Dr. Santos Station having the highest progress rate of 97.7%.
Commuters can expect a seamless and comfortable travel experience as LRMC has integrated the state-of-the-art facilities that prioritize passenger convenience, safety, and accessibility.
All five new stations boast a truly inclusive design, featuring two elevators per station for easy access for passengers with disabilities (PWDs). Escalators will serve both northbound and southbound passengers, ensuring a smooth flow of traffic. Visually impaired passengers will be guided by tactile paving, also known as detectable warning surfaces, located from the station entrance until the boarding platforms.
Spacious common areas and restrooms provide ample room for passengers to move around comfortably. Real-time passenger information systems will display train arrival and departure times, keeping commuters informed. For added convenience, designated breastfeeding rooms will be available for mothers. There will also be commercial spaces available for lease by merchants or kiosks. To ensure passenger safety and security, all areas will be under 24/7 CCTV monitoring.
LRT-1 Dr. Santos Station, the end terminal for Phase 1, will serve as a major transit hub. Passengers will have seamless access to various modes of transportation through the intermodal facility. The intermodal facility boasts a vast 10,740 sqm lot area and is strategically located with access to and from Dr. A. Santos Avenue and C5 Road Extension. It will have designated bays for public buses, jeepneys, taxis, private cars, motorcycles, etc, as well as dedicated parking slots for PWDs.
“The nearing completion of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 is a testament to the government and private sector’s commitment to improving public transportation in the country. An excellence showcase of how public private partnership (PPP) works, this project underscores LRMC’s commitment to providing a safe, convenient, and passenger-centric commuting experience for everyone,” LRMC General Manager Benipayo added.
The LRT-1 extension is a significant infrastructure project that is expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of commuters daily. It will not only reduce travel time, but will also decongest major thoroughfares in the area.
