Transport chief orders deployment of buses amid train car shortage

MANILA, Philippines —Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Wednesday directed the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) to coordinate with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in deploying buses to alleviate the long queues at the stations.

Lopez’s order comes as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the continuous and orderly travel of passengers on the LRT-2 while efforts are being made to address the shortage of train cars, Lopez said.

During his inspection at the Antipolo Station, Lopez instructed LRTA Administrator Hernando Cabrera to collaborate with LTFRB for the faster and more effective deployment of buses along LRT-2 routes.

“We must explore alternative measures so as not to delay the commute of students heading to school, employees reporting to their offices, and commuters traveling to their respective destinations,” the DOTr chief said.

“And in whatever way we can, let us provide some relief to the passengers waiting in line,” he stressed.

Lopez ensured that there would be no service disruptions and that priority lanes must be provided for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, among others.

He also told Cabrera to ensure proper ventilation would be maintained at the stations and escalators and elevators in working condition at all times.

Lopez had instructed the LRTA and LTFRB to study the issuance of special permits to buses in order to provide passengers of the LRT-2 with an alternative mode of transport while funds are being sourced for the procurement of additional trainsets.

According to LRTA, the LRT-2 operates a single east-west rail route, spanning 17.6 kilometers across 13 stations from Recto in Manila to Antipolo City in Rizal province.