By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In anticipation of the influx of passengers during the upcoming holiday season, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced schedule adjustments for Metro Manila’s major train lines.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista stated that the schedule adjustments are aimed at accommodating more commuters in preparation for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“On select days, our trains will operate earlier in the morning and later into the night to offer greater convenience to passengers during the holiday season,” he explained, noting that such changes in rail operations will also enable rail employees to spend time with their families for the holiday season.
The Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3, running from North Avenue to Taft Avenue station, will begin its adjusted operating hours on December 16.
The rail line will begin its first commercial trip from North Avenue station at 4:30 a.m., from December 16 to 24 and on December 31. Operating hours between December 16 and 23 will also be extended, with the last commercial train departing North Avenue at 10:34 p.m. and Taft Avenue at 11:08 p.m.
The Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2 from Antipolo to Recto, on the other hand, will have its first commercial train at 5:00 a.m. on December 17-23, 24, and 31. Regular operating hours will be implemented from December 25-30 and January 1 onwards.
Meanwhile, the LRT-1, which runs from Dr. Santos Station (formerly Sucat) in Paranaque to the Fernando Poe Jr. station in Quezon City, will begin its adjusted operating hours on December 20.
The two terminus stations will have their earliest operations on December 20, 23, and 26-27 at 4:30 a.m. Their latest operations will be on December 20 and 23, with the last train departing at 10:30 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. from Dr. Santos and FPJ stations, respectively.
These adjustments are made following the Metro Manila Council’s earlier initiative of adjusting operating hours of major shopping establishments in the metropolis.
-iro