JICA-funded new LRT-1 trains seen to decongest Manila traffic

MANILA, Philippines — One hundred twenty new rolling stocks for the LRT-1 funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency are seen to help decongest the traffic-choked streets of Metro Manila.

The Department of Transportation will award the contract to supply new train cars to Mitsubishi Corporation this week. The company will supply cars to LRT-1 from 2020 to 2022.

“Through the project, JICA aims to support the Philippines in accommodating growing demand for quality mass transport and job opportunities,” JICA Philippines Office Chief Representative Susumu Ito said.

The JICA project noted that shifting from road-based transport to rail-based mass transit could help ease the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila.

The project is part of JICA’s 43.252 billion official development assistance loan for “Capacity Enhancement of Mass Transit Systems in Metro Manila Project,” which aims to support quality transport infrastructure in the country.

Once completed, the new rolling stocks of LRT-1 can accommodate 1,388 passengers per train and increase the number of running trains to 222.

READ: LRT-1 awaits notice to secure new trains

The government first conducted the bidding for the supply of 120 new light rail vehicles for the LRT-1 in March last year but it was declared a failure as no offer was given by Japanese firms.

Former Transport Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya attributed the lack of bids from Japanese firms to the surge in demand of rolling stocks in Japan as Tokyo prepares to host the 2020 Olympics.

The second bidding was conducted for the procurement of LRT-1’s trains earlier this year.          

Moreover, another project funded by a loan from JICA involving the expansion of the LRT-1 depot is expected to be awarded once the 2018 national budget is approved.

At present, the LRT-1 has 20 stations from Roosevelt Station in Quezon City to Baclaran Station in Parañaque City.

Based on government data, LRT-1 carries an average of 500,000 commuters daily.

JICA will also assist the Metro Manila Subway Project. DoTR said the country’s first ever subway is “on track” with the groundbreaking scheduled in the fourth quarter of 2018.

On the other hand, Manila’s other train system—MRT-3—has been heavily criticized for technical glitches which inconvenience the riding public daily.

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