Major train lines in Metro Manila have extended their operating hours to accommodate more passengers amid the expected influx of passengers for the Christmas season, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Thursday, Dec. 5.
DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said their annual assessment disclosed that more passengers are availing of the mass transport system during Holiday rush and this was the reason behind the extension of the operating hours of the Metro Rail Transit 3 and both the two lines of the Light Rail Transit (LRT).
“On select days, our trains will operate earlier in the morning and later into the night to offer greater convenience to passengers during the holiday season,” said Bautista.
“These adjustments will also allow our rail employees more time to spend with their families as they celebrate the holidays,” he added.
The MRT-3 traverses EDSA, the busiest road in Metro Manila. The MRT Line 3 will begin its adjusted hours on Dec. 16 and will start at 4:30 a.m.
Between Dec. 16 and 23, the train line will extend its operating hours, with the last commercial train departing North Avenue at 10:34 p.m. and Taft Avenue at 11:08 p.m.
The LRT-1 travels from Caloocan City Dr. Santos Station (formerly Sucat) in Paranaque and vice versa while the LRT Line 2 from Antipolo to Recto.
The LRT-1 will start its extended operating hours on Dec. 20 while the early and late night operation of LRT-2 will begin Dec. 17-23.
The two terminus stations will have their earliest operations on Dec. 20, 23 and 26-27 at 4:30 a.m.
Their latest operations will be on December 20 and 23, with the last train departing at 10:30 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. from Dr. Santos and FPJ stations, respectively.
“All passengers are advised to refer to the timetables of the adjusted train operating hours to plan their trips accordingly,” he said. (Aaron Recuenco)
