The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), in compliance with the order of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Z. “Banoy” Lopez, has started preparing for the conduct of feasibility study on the proposed new routes covering the stretch of the Antipolo City-Manila route of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2).
Acting LTFRB Chairman Atty. Greg G. Pua, Jr. said they already started coordinating with the LRT Authority in coming up with a fast, comfortable and reliable bus transportation from Antipolo City to Recto Avenue and vice versa routes.
“The initial information that we have is the significant increase of passengers of the LRT-2 especially during rush hours in the morning and the afternoon. Our goal is to come up with new routes that will serve as alternative mode of transportation for the passengers,” said Acting Chairman Pua.
This is in line with the instruction of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. to continue finding ways in ensuring the welfare of the commuters in Metro Manila and other urban areas.
Earlier, Secretary Banoy revealed the plan to open a special bus routes similar to the concept of the EDSA Busway wherein there will be a designated pick-up and drop-off stations at the nearest LTR-2 stations.
This came after the conduct of assessment wherein it was revealed the hardships that LRT-2 passengers go through everyday, especially the long queues and congestion at its stations.
The situation has become particularly concerning, with congestion extending from station platforms to the lower levels and surrounding streets, resulting in prolonged waiting times and adversely affecting the daily commute of the riding public.
Acting Chairman Pua said they fully understand the urgency of the situation, especially that those affected are students and workers who do not want to be late in the morning and just want to go home in the soonest possible time in the afternoon rush hours.
He said part of the coordination with the LRTA is the identification of the pick-up and drop-off stations, the locations must be at the nearest LRT-2 stations since the concept is that the passenger buses will be the alternative mode of transportation in cases of congestion and any train operation issues.
“We assure all our kababayan that the LTFRB and the LRTA are now focusing on this matter and will come up with the results of the study in the soonest possible time,” said Acting Chairman Pua.
He said the coordination will also include the local government units— Antipolo City, Pasig City, Marikina City, Quezon City, San Juan and Manila.
The result of the study and the recommendations will be submitted to Secretary Banoy for review and approval.
