LRT-1 to suspend weekend operations in August

Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 will temporarily suspend operations for three weekends this August to speed up preparations for the opening of LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1.

The Light Rail Manila Corporation announced the upcoming suspension on Friday, Aug. 9 to make way for the opening of LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 slated to happen in the fourth quarter of 2024. 

The LRT-1 temporary suspension will be implemented on the weekends of Aug. 17 to 18, Aug. 24 to 25, and Aug. 31 to Sept. 1. 

“During these periods, no commercial train service will be available from Fernando Poe Jr. Station to Baclaran Station,” they wrote. “The temporary closures will result in long-term convenience once the extended #LRT1 line becomes operational.” 

With this, they advised commuters to plan their trips and utilize alternative transport options. 

LRMC said it coordinated with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for the provision of additional buses. 

In a separate interview with ABS-CBN News, LTFRB Chair Teofilo Gaudiz said that they initially prepared 38 buses for routes affected by the temporary suspension. 

"Handa na po kami nandyan na po yung mga units na gagamitin nitong mga weekends. Meron na po kaming mga dinesignate na mga buses sa mga areas na hindi tatakbo ang LRT ng ilang araw para kami naman yung pupuno sa mga hindi magampanan ng LRT," Guadiz said. 

Phase 1 of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project covers the first five additional stations extending for over six kilometers within the city of Parañaque, namely: Redemptorist-ASEANA, MIA, PITX Asia World, Ninoy Aquino, and Dr. Santos. 

The extension project will cover major cities such as Quezon City, Caloocan, Manila, Pasay, and Paranaque, to Bacoor, Cavite, which is expected to cater to 800,000 passengers per day. LRMC is eyeing to complete the whole project by 2031.