Private train operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) has announced that it would increase the number of train sets deployed in Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) starting Sunday, Oct. 1 to accommodate the rise in the volume of commuters in Metro Manila.
In a press statement released Sept. 29, LRMC said there would be 23 train sets to be deployed, and seven of these are Generation-4 train sets.
The private train operator said the increased train sets would augment the current 410 trips to 460 trips on weekdays, and the current 293 to 311 trips on Saturdays and 307 on Sundays.
“Our transport capacity will increase by almost 10% for weekday operations and about 20% on weekends. We at LRMC are continuously thinking of ways to better serve our passengers with increased capacity and shorter waiting time,” LRMC Chief Operating Officer Rolando J. Paulino III said.
According to Paulino, the rising volume of commuters is attributed to the return of in-person classes in schools and universities near the LRT-1 stations and the upcoming holiday season.
The LRMC also announced that it would be implementing a new schedule for weekends and holidays.
According to the private train operator, the first trains from Baclaran and Fernando Poe Jr. Station will both depart at 5:00AM.
“The last trip leaving Baclaran Station is at 9:30PM, while the last train leaves Fernando Poe Jr. Station at 9:45PM,” it added.
The LRMC noted that there were no changes to the weekday schedule of LRT-1.
