Defective LRT-2 elevators now operational – Tugade

MANILA, Philippines — The operation of defective Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) elevators and escalators has been restored, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade announced yesterday.

Tugade said 34 elevators and 26 escalators at the LRT-2 are now operational.

In November last year, Tugade ordered the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), operator of the LRT-2, to prioritize the repairs of the defective elevators and escalators to help commuters, especially the elderly, pregnant women and persons with disabilities.

“The LRTA commits to work around the clock to repair the remaining non-operational escalators and elevators,” he said.

On Dec. 7 last year, the LRTA filed complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against officials and private contractors involved in the allegedly anomalous purchase of P170.3 million worth of equipment for the rail line.

This included the P138-million contract awarded to Ma-An Construction Inc. and IFE Elevators Inc. for the supply, delivery, installation and commissioning of the conveyance system.

Tugade had also ordered the blacklisting of erring suppliers.

The LRT-2 has 13 stations from Recto, Manila to Masinag in Antipolo, covering a length of 17.69 kilometers.