LRT-1 operator completes P1-B train rehab program

MANILA, Philippines -  The operator of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) has completed a P1-billion program to rehabilitate light rail vehicles (LRVs) of the train system, a move expected to allow it to deploy additional trips and provide comfort to passengers.

Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the joint venture among Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., Ayala Corp.’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp. and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd. said in a statement it implemented a program for the restoration of LRVs and improvement of the train system’s reliability as it awaits the government’s procurement of 120 new LRVs for the LRT-1.

The restoration program included sourcing of spare parts from the original European manufacturers of the 32-year-old generation 1 trains, as well as the 18-year-old generation 2 trains.

“Our engineers have successfully gained the confidence of European spare parts manufacturers such as Alstom, Gerkens, and Knorr Bremse, among others, for the supply of electromechanical parts that were essential to restore LRVs,” LRMC president and chief executive officer Rogelio Singson said.

Through the restoration of 25 LRVs, LRMC has expanded the current fleet of LRT-1 to 102 LRVs as of end-May from 77 when it took over in September 2015.

“With the expanded fleet, a new train timetable will be implemented increasing the number of trips on weekdays from current 498 to 554 trips daily resulting to shorter queueing time and reduced headway for our passengers,” Singson said.

He said the proposed new timetable to add more trips has been discussed with Light Rail Transit Authority administrator Reynaldo Berroya and deputy administrator Felix Leyson.

“With 102 LRVs available as of May 31, we can now serve the passengers better with increased capacity and shorter waiting time,” he said.

After the restoration of LRVs, LRMC also worked on the body repair of 43 generation 1 trains to further improve passenger comfort.

LRMC’s work included the repair of corroded exterior walls and floorings. 

The LRT-1 operator said work on the full rail replacement of the train system, meanwhile, is almost complete.