Ref.: Anna Ferrer / Mariecar Jara-Puyod
Tel. No.: 854-0984
March 4, 2004
The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) is working double time to open ahead of schedule phase 2 of LRT Line 2 or Purple Line to immediately benefit the riding public, particularly those residing and working in Quezon City, Manila, San Juan, Marikina City and Pasig City.
"We are targeting a first week of April opening of six additional stations in Line 2 to ease traffic congestion along this traffic-prone corridor, substantially cut travel time and make travel more comfortable," Atty. Zosimo C. Mendoza, Jr., LRT Officer-In-Charge, said.
The six additional stations being eyed for early opening are Betty Go-Belmonte (formerly Boston Street) in Cubao, Quezon City; Gilmore in New Manila; J.Ruiz in San Juan; V.Mapa in Sta. Mesa, and Pureza and Legarda in Manila.
Four LRT Line 2 stations are already operational. These are Santolan, Katipunan, Anonas and Araneta Center-Cubao.
The original target date for the opening of the rest of the Line 2 stations is October 2004.
Mendoza said with the inauguration of the six stations next month, only one station remains to be opened -- Recto.
He said Line 2 is part of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Strong Republic Transit System (SRTS) aimed at moving people and products swiftly via the interconnection and interfacing of mass rails with the traditional means of transportation.
With 10 stations operational, travel time from Santolan to Legarda will take only 20 minutes.
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