LTFRB eyes special bus routes to ease LRT-2 congestion

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has begun studying special bus routes between Antipolo City and Manila to provide commuters with an alternative when the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) is congested or train services are disrupted.

The proposed routes would run between Antipolo and Recto Avenue, with designated bus pickup and drop-off points near LRT-2 stations, the LTFRB said in a statement on Monday.

READ: DOTr: LTFRB, LRTA to look into LRT-2 route for PUBs

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According to LTFRB chair Greg Pua Jr., the study follows reports of long queues and overcrowding at LRT-2 stations, particularly during morning and afternoon rush hours, when congestion can spill from station platforms to lower levels and nearby streets.

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The situation, which authorities cited to have become “particularly concerning,” resulted in prolonged waiting times that adversely affected the daily commute of the riding public.

The regulator said it had begun coordinating with the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) to determine how the proposed bus services could provide commuters with a faster, more comfortable and reliable alternative.

“Our goal is to come up with new routes that will serve as alternative modes of transportation for the passengers,” Pua said.

The proposal would benefit 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.

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The proposed service follows an instruction from Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez to explore special bus routes modeled after the Edsa Busway, with designated pick-up and drop-off sites near LRT-2 stations.

The agency will also coordinate with the local governments of Antipolo, Pasig, Marikina, Quezon City, San Juan and Manila.

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Pua said the LTFRB and LRTA were working to complete the study “as soon as possible.”

The findings and recommendations will be submitted to Lopez for review and approval.

READ: LRT-2 line to run limited trains amid revamping works

The agency, however, did not provide a target date for the completion of the study or the start of the proposed bus services.

According to the Department of Transportation (DoTr), only eight trains are deployed in the LRT-2 as one train is being upgraded, while the other is being repaired.

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The LRTA previously said that it would only operate nine trains every Tuesday to Sunday as it upgrades its Train Operating Control Panel. /jpv