DOTr: LTFRB, LRTA to look into LRT-2 route for PUBs

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Friday that it directed transportation authorities to explore a possible route along the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2 for Public Utility Buses (PUBs) to help passengers amid limited train operations.

The DOTr said that Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez has directed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) to study the proposed issuance of a special permit to PUBs.

It said that they are planning to designate PUBs to ply from Antipolo station to Recto station and vice versa, with designated stopping points per station.

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According to the agency, as of Friday, only eight trains are deployed in the LRT-2 as one train is being upgraded, while the other is being repaired.

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READ: LRT-2 line to run limited trains amid revamping works

The LRTA has previously said that it will only operate nine trains every Tuesday to Sunday as it upgrades its Train Operating Control Panel.

“Mula po sa DOTr at LRTA, humihingi po kami ng paumanhin sa ating mga mananakay na naaapektuhan. Nauunawaan po namin ang hirap na dinaranas ng ating mga komyuter na sumasakay sa LRT-2,” Lopez expressed in a statement issued by the DOTr on Friday.

(On behalf of the DOTr and LRTA, we apologize to the affected passengers. We understand the hardships being experienced by the commuters who use LRT-2.)

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He added, “Kaya naman inatasan po natin ang LTFRB at LRTA na mag-coordinate para sa panukalang pag-i-isyu ng special permits sa mga bus para may masakyan ang ating mga pasahero habang tinutugunan natin ang kakulangan sa bilang ng tren,”

(That is why we have directed the LTFRB and the LRTA to coordinate on the proposed issuance of special permits for buses, ensuring that passengers have a means of transport while we address the shortage of trains.)

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The agency said it is also studying the PUB service operational arrangements, fare rates, and compliance with existing franchising and regulatory requirements in the proposed LRT-2 routes. 

It further explained that although efforts to secure funding for additional trainsets continue together with the LRTA, the arrival of new trains may still take at least three years. 

“Layunin ng inisyatibong ito na magbigay ng alternatibong masasakyan ang mga komyuter at maibsan ang siksikan sa mga istasyon ng LRT-2, lalo na tuwing peak hours,” ani ang ahensya.

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(This initiative aims to provide commuters with an alternative mode of transportation and alleviate congestion at LRT-2 stations, especially during peak hours.)