The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is appealing to Congress to include its proposed P12.8-billion budget for the acquisition of new train sets for Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2.
“The P12.8 billion was included in the DOTr’s proposed National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2027, but it was excluded when the proposal reached Congress. We are appealing for its reconsideration,” LRTA Administrator Hernando Cabrera said.
Cabrera said that the government plans to acquire more or less 15 transits for LRT2.
Currently, only eight trainsets are in operation, as one is undergoing a Train Operating Control Panel upgrade while another is still being repaired. Meanwhile, passenger numbers on LRT-2 continue to rise.
As an immediate measure while awaiting funding for the purchase of new trains, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has directed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the LRTA to study the issuance of special permits to public utility buses (PUBs) to provide commuters with alternative transportation options.
Lopez instructed the LTFRB and LRTA to study the issuance of special permits allowing buses to operate along the LRT-2 route, from Antipolo Station to Recto Station and back, with designated stops at LRT-2 stations.
The proposed PUB service will also examine operational arrangements, compliance with existing franchising and regulatory requirements, and the fares to be charged to passengers.
The initiative aims to provide commuters with an alternative transportation option and ease congestion at LRT-2 stations, particularly during peak hours.
LRT-2 has 13 stations along its route from Recto Station in Manila to Antipolo Station in Rizal.