Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) is upgrading the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1’s signaling system, prompting it to temporarily suspend the train system’s operations on three separate dates.
Enrico R. Benipayo, COO of LRMC, said the line will be temporarily closed on November 28, January 23, and January 30 to “complete the necessary works for the upgrade of its existing signaling system,” including test and trial runs.
“We look forward to the many exciting developments lined up for LRT 1 in 2022. The migration to the new signaling system underscores LRMC’s commitment in modernizing the LRT 1 and delivering better service to our customers. We would like to request the understanding of our passengers for this temporary inconvenience, and would like to assure them that this will be beneficial in the long-run,” he said.
LRMC is upgrading the train line’s signaling system to the new Alstom Signaling System, which will be crucial to “accommodate the commercial use of 4th Generation train sets on the existing system.”
The train line is taking delivery of 18 4th Generation train sets through 2022.
Benipayo advised train commuters “to plan trips ahead of time and be guided accordingly on passenger advisories from LRMC.”
LRMC is currently building the Cavite Extension of the LRT 1.
Targeted for completion in about four years after the delivery of right of way, the 11.7-kilometer Cavite extension will connect into the existing system immediately south of the Baclaran Station and run in a generally southerly direction to Niyog, Cavite.
It will consist of elevated guideways throughout the majority of the alignment, except for the guideway section at Zapote, which will be located at grade.
The new stations will be accessible to and from nearby community facilities, such as shops, schools, stadium and park, and will be located to suit passenger-flow routes from residential areas.
Pedestrian access to all new stations will be direct, safe and easy. Details, such as lighting to distinguish access points, pedestrian-cross striping and curb cuts for handicapped access, will be provided.