SANTOLAN, Pasig –Train services from Santolan terminal station in Pasig to Recto terminal station in Manila will resume on Friday, January 22, 2021.
LRTA Administrator Gen. Reynaldo Berroya said that all appropriate tests were conducted to confirm the stability and reliability of the provisional power supply for the reopening of Santolan, Anonas and Katipunan stations to passengers.
“We will resume whole line operations with limitations and restrictions while the full restoration and repairs of the fire-damaged Rectifier Substation (RSS) Nos. 5 and 6, signaling and telecommunications are simultaneously being undertaken,” Berroya stressed.
The LRTA’s Safety and Security Division, Engineering, Contractor, and Consultants recommended the reopening of the three closed stations after conducting all the necessary activities and tests, and met the required parameters for a safe and reliable operations.
LRTA Administrator Berroya appeals to passengers to allot additional hours in their travel as the headway –or the time before another train arrives at the station –will take an average of 14 minutes since a speed restriction of 30 kilometers per hour (kph) needs to be implemented as the train approaches Anonas station.
With the speed restriction, travel time from Santolan to Recto Station will take more than 35 minutes compared to 28 minutes when the system is in normal and good condition.
LRTA assures the riding public that the restoration and repair works will be fast-tracked for LRT-2 to resume normal operations.
Safety Protocols
The LRTA reminds passengers to adhere to all the safety protocols being implemented inside stations and trains to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“We are committed to keeping our passengers safe while riding the LRT-2 so we strictly adhere to the minimum health standards prescribed by the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Health and Department of Transportation”, Berroya said.
Mandatory wearing of face mask and face shield, thermal scanning, regulated entry of passengers, physical distancing and “No Talking policy” are being implemented inside the stations and trains.
Other health and safety protocols in place such as disinfection of train’s interior after every loop; disinfection of station facilities/equipment particularly frequently-touched surfaces like Ticket Vending Machines, AFCS gates, elevators, escalators and handrails at an hourly interval; provision of alcohol at strategic locations inside the stations and liquid hand-soaps inside the restroom; and wearing of face mask and face shield by all frontline personnel (station personnel, train drivers, cashiers and security guards) will also continue.
Cashless Transaction
LRT-2 continuously implements cashless transaction at all stations to reduce the further spread of COVID-19.
“Buying and loading of tickets are being done only at ticket vending machines (TVM) and e-loading machines to reduce physical contact between passengers and tellers,” Berroya said.
Restoration of Down Trains
“We are hoping to deploy more trains on LRT-2’s fleet so we are expediting the restoration of down trains. Fielding more trains will reduce the current headway and add more passengers to our current 32,000 average daily ridership as affected by the pandemic restrictions,” he added.