LRT, MRT to be linked

To start the interconnection of the elevated railway projects of the government, the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) will soon be linked through a walkway.

According to Teddy Cruz, head of the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), the 75-meter walkway will be constructed at the end of the MRT and LRT stations in Pasay City to enable the passengers to transfer easily.

"The construction of the foundation will start this week. With this pedestrian lane, there will be no need for passengers to go down the stations and walk on the road just to transfer to the other system," he said.

Cruz noted the Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC), the builder of MRT, will shoulder the $900,000-walkway as part of its commitment to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

MRT was constructed by MRTC under a 25-year build-lease-transfer agreement with the DOTC. It runs along the stretch of EDSA, from North Triangle in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City.

LRT, on the other hand, runs along Rizal Avenue and Taft Avenue, from Monumento in Caloocan City to Baclaran, Parañaque City.

Under the plan, MRTC and LRTA will alternate in supervising the construction work that will last for at least six months.

"Passengers will not only have easy access to the two rail systems with this pedestrian link. They will also be protected from criminal elements lurking on the road," Cruz added. – Sheila Crisostomo