LRT 1 restores more trains
Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) said it managed to bring the total number of functioning LRVs to 96 from just 77 when it assumed the operations of the train system in September last year. File photo
MANILA, Philippines - The operator of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) has restored more train cars to bring the total number of running light rail vehicles (LRVs) to 96 as of end-November.
Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) said it managed to bring the total number of functioning LRVs to 96 from just 77 when it assumed the operations of the train system in September last year.
“The increased capacity has enabled LRT-1 to accommodate more passengers and deploy up to 30 trains daily,” LRMC said.
LRMC which is composed of Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., Ayala Corp.’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd., took over the operations of the LRT-1 as it was awarded the P65-billion public-private partnership project to operate, maintain and extend the train system.
The consortium worked on the restoration of train cars as it awaits the procurement and arrival of 120 more LRVs for the LRT-1 in 2018.
Under the contract with LRMC, the government would have the obligation to deliver the new LRVs for the LRT-1.
Last March, the Transport department declared the bidding for the LRVs a failure as no offers were made by Japanese firms.
The Transport department said the lack of bids was due to the surge in demand of rolling stocks in Japan as Tokyo prepares to host the 2020 Olympics.
Bidding for the LRVs was opened only to Japanese-led companies or consortia as the procurement is being funded by a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The Transport department said earlier, it intends to rebid the contract for LRVs for the LRT-1.
For the Christmas season, LRMC is providing free LRT-1 rides to concessionary beep card holders on all weekends and holidays until Jan.8,2017.
To avail of the free rides, the concessionary beep card holders must be accompanied by at least two family members and proceed to the teller’s booth in the station.
To serve more passengers, LRMC is likewise extending the LRT-1 operating hours to 11 p.m. until Dec. 23.
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