Press Release
November 8, 2007

IN VIEW OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON: Villar wants commuters assured of availability of public transportation

Senate President Manny Villar urged the operators of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) to consider the possibility of extending the hours of operation of their commuter trains with the expected rise in public transport demand in view of the approaching Christmas season.

Villar said this will help the public in coping with the demands of the season, assured of the availability of quick and safe transportation especially at night.

"An extension of at least two hours in the daily schedule of the LRT and MRT will provide timely service and relief to thousands of our commuters at this time of the year," the Nacionalista Party president said.

The Senate President said the peak season usually starts on Nov. 15, which can be a reasonable starting date for the longer operating schedules of both the LRT and MRT in consideration of public welfare.

"Among the most crucial concerns of our people are the security of their families and the guarantee of their safe return to their homes," Villar stressed, "Easy access to the LRT and MRT during critical hours and busy days of the season is considerably important."

Under the auspices of the Department of Transportation and Communication, the Metrostar Express or MRT3, which traverses EDSA, operates daily from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, the LRTA, a wholly owned government corporation, operates the LRT Line 1 system (yellow line) and the MRT Line 2 (purple line).

The LRT Line 1 system services the Taft Avenue-Rizal Avenue route between Baclaran, Pasay City and the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City. It operates daily from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The Megatren or MRT Line 2 traverses five cities in Metro Manila particularly Pasig, Marikina, Quezon City, San Juan and Manila along the major thoroughfares of Marcos Highway, Aurora Boulevard, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, Legarda and Recto Avenue. It operates from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.

News Latest News Feed