LRT-2 extension from Manila to Rizal to start operating next week

The government inaugurated the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) East Extension on Thursday.

“The promise of a better commuting experience will now become a reality,” said the Department of Transportation.

The LRT-2 East Extension will start commercial operations next week on July 5.

The project added four kilometers to the 13.8-kilometer LRT-2 line, connecting Recto in Manila to Antipolo, Rizal via two new stations: Marikina-Pasig and Antipolo.

“Trains on the line running from Recto Station in Manila to the Antipolo Station have also been increased to eight from the previous five that ran from Recto Station to the Santolan Station,” said the DoTr.

“Once operational, the LRT-2 East Extension Project will reduce travel time from Claro M. Recto in Manila to Masinag in Antipolo from three hours via bus or jeepney to just 30 to 40 minutes,” it added.

The LRT-2 East Extension increased the rail line’s average daily capacity from 240,000 passengers to 320,000.

The extension project is expected to help reduce congestion along Marcos Highway, especially in Marikina, Pasig, and Antipolo.

“Actual and full-blast construction of the two new stations (Marikina-Pasig ₱1.1 billion), while the electromechanical systems contract (contract amount: ₱3.4 billion) was awarded on Dec. 14, 2018,” said the DoTr.

SOURCE: Business World