Ref.: Mariecar Jara-Puyod
Four months from now, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) will open four other stations in Line 2 as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo rode an LRT train for a test run on Dec. 17, 2003.
The President was accompanied by Transportation and Communication Secretary Leandro R. Mendoza, Secretary for President's Priority Programs Marita Jimenez, DOTC Undersecretary Jose L, Cortes Jr. and LRTA Administrator Teodoro Cruz Jr. from the stations at Araneta Center-Cubao to V. Mapa.
"This test run shows that by middle of next year, the public, specifically those residing, working or studying in the southern part of Quezon City, as well as those in San Juan and Manila, will have less travel time," Arroyo said.
Administrator Cruz said the commercial run of the South Korean-manufactured trains that can accommodate as many as 1,600 passengers is expected in April 2004.
"By then, travel time from Santolan, Pasig City to V. Mapa in Sta. Mesa, Manila will be 20 minutes," he said.
The Santolan to V. Mapa stretch spans 8.76 kms, and passes through the congested Marcos Highway, Aurora Boulevard and Ramon Magsaysay Avenue. The full line is expected to serve the public in December 2004, with stations in Pureza, Legarda and Recto in Manila.
Arroyo used the occasion to promote the "Strong Republic Transit System" as she rode the Philippine National Railway in Antipolo Street, Sampaloc, Manila; transferred to the Blumentritt Station of LRT 1; to the Pasay-Taft Stations of the Metrostar Express or MRT 3 then to the Araneta Center/ Cubao Station of the Megatren in Quezon City.
She coded the PNR as the Green Line for the Northrail; Orange Line, Southrail; LRT Line 1, Yellow Line; MRT 3, Blue Line and LRT Line 2, Purple Line.
The SRTS aims to provide a safe and reliable mass transport system in Metro Manila. It also aims to integrate fare ticketing system with the seven interconnections by using a unified ticket called the "smart card".
This means, commuters will use a single, stored value card for all the rail systems.
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