Ref.: Atty. Hernando T. Cabrera
LRTA Spokesperson
854-0452/ 506-6129
0920-9703772
Evelyn E. Paragas
Manager, Public Relations Division
854-0452/ 506-6129
0917-8725631
LRTA Coordinates with DOTC to Prepare for Feast Day of the Black Nazarene
The Department of Transportation and Communications today announced that the Light Rail Transit Authority is all set for the annual Feast Day of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila on Monday, January 9.
Atty. Rafael S. Rodriguez, LRTA Administrator, said that LRTA has prepared an action plan, in coordination with DOTC, to ensure the smooth flow of operations in anticipation of the huge number of devotees who will take the LRT Line 1 route to join the traditional procession of the Black Nazarene.
“There will be enough trains and station personnel to serve the devotees and regular passengers on Monday, “Rodriguez assured. Additional ticket booths will be opened to sell fully-coded tickets to accommodate the expected surge of passengers. This is in line with DOTC’s mandate of providing people with safe, affordable and reliable transport mode any time of the year.
The safety and security of the devotees will also be ensured. LRTA is deploying additional security staff together with K-9 units and augmented by PNP personnel at all LRT Lines 1 and 2 Stations and terminals.
A medical team and Philippine National Red Cross volunteers will also be fielded at UN and Carriedo stations from 6am to 9pm.
As traditionally practiced, barefoot devotees heading to Quiapo church will be allowed to take the trains.
The LRTA recorded one of the highest volume of ridership of 582,989 passengers during the Feast of the Black Nazarene last January 9, 2009 (Friday).This is higher than the 362,912 passengers who took the train during the same event last year.
The Feast of the Black Nazarene is annually celebrated on the 9th day of January, marked by a colorful procession to and from Quiapo church participated by thousands of devotees. ***