LRT-2 opens earlier than targeted?

The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) said yesterday that the first phase of LRT-2 would be opened earlier than its 2004 target to complete the planned interloop of elevated rail systems in Metro Manila.

"We are fast-tracking the construction of the first few stations of LRT-2 phase l from Santolan, Pasig to Cubao, Quezon City to ease the traffic congestion along Marcos highway and Aurora Boulevard," noted LRTA chief Teddy Cruz Jr.

LRTA is eyeing Phase l to be in operation by April 2003, instead of the original 2004 schedule.

The Phase 2, on the other hand, would be operational by Dec. 2004. This runs from Cubao to Sta. Cruz, Manila.

"When the whole line becomes operational, it will be a big relief to commuters since it will bring down the travel time from Cubao to Sta. Cruz to less than 30 minutes," Cruz added.

Under the plan, LRT-2 would be interconnected with the existing LRT l and the Metro Rail Transit.

Cruz said that LRT-2 would be the fastest Metro railway as it is expected to run at a speed of 40 kilometers per hour up to a maximum of 80 kilometers per hour.

The funding came from combined loans and grants amounting to P20.7 billion and counterpart funds from the government amounting to Pl0.7 billion.

Each train has been designed to accommodate 232-seated and l,396-standing passengers or a total of l,628 passengers per train.

Stations will also have underpasses and pedestrian lanes where commuters could cross over to the other side of the street and elevators and escalators. – Sheila Crisostomo