The Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT), despite their flaws, are still the safest and fastest form of transit in Manila. Unless the lines are unreasonably long, these train systems also prove to be the most convenient. Well, only if your day is done by 10 p.m.
With its current schedule, the last trip for LRT Line 1 leaves at 10:15 p.m. Meanwhile, the LRT Line 2 and MRT take passengers until 10:30 p.m. For those who render overtime, work in the service industry, and take night classes, the current train schedule might not be the most ideal. But it looks like this will change soon.
In a report from Inquirer Libre, the House Committee on Metro Manila Development urges the extension of LRT and MRT’s operating hours until 12 midnight. According to Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo, the extension will secure the safety of passengers. “We should exert powers of the Congress and ask them to operate past 10 because the bulk of the commuters are also still away from their homes,” he says.
This extension will also help commuters go home easily and safely. Although buses, jeepneys, and taxis are still abundant at night, you can’t take away the worries and fears of late night commuters. So, this extension will be of great service to many commuters.
In 2016, the LRT also extended their operating hours after their private operator took over.
In a report from GMA News, the MRT management said they’re willing to look at the possibility of extending their operating hours. However, the current state of their trains must be considered as well.
“Please note that while we echo our pledge of providing a quality, fast, and reliable service to our commuters, we also need to consider that our two-decade old trains need to have sufficient time for preventive maintenance works,” the management said. “We wish to stress that a regular and efficient preventive maintenance works help ensure smooth train operations, as well as prevention of unloading incidents and service interruptions.”
Art by Aira Ydette
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