Ref.: Maria Kristina E. Cassion
854-0984 / 854-0452 / 854-0456 / 853-0041 to 60 local 8940/8329
October 7, 2008
LRTA Administrator Melquiades Robles announced that around 508,220 passengers rode the trains of its Line 1 system on October 3, making it the highest number recorded for a single day since January 1998.
Robles said Friday?s 10-year high is already nearing the all time high single day ridership of 542,605 passengers set in December 1996.
?At the end of the year we are hoping that we can set a new all time high record for Line 1,? Robles said.
Robles reiterated his earlier assurance that the system can still absorb additional passengers.
?With our Line 1 system?s stable of 139 coaches that may be configured into 3-car or 4-car train combinations depending on passenger demand, we have a carrying capacity of 1,309, 680 passengers per day,? he emphasized.
Robles said they were able to foresee the rise in train ridership demand for its Line 1 system and thus ordered for the speedy rehabilitation of all down trains, some of which were inoperative for 15 years already.
He also pushed for the procurement of additional 12 four-car trains and the rehabilitation of its stations under the LRTA?s capacity expansion project.
Meanwhile, ridership for its Line 2 System also set a new record of 223, 481 passengers on September 5, the highest so far since its first commercial operation in 2003.
The LRTA has extended its operating hours for both its Line 1 and 2 systems up to 11:00 PM starting August 19.
Despite the high cost on the maintenance and operation of its line systems, Robles assured the public there will be no fare increase during the term of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
?The president does not want any fare increase for the LRT as it is the only affordable transportation in the country now, with a maximum fare of P15 for Line 1 and P14 for Line 2,? Robles said.
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