It started just before the peak lunchtime period.
On Thursday, April 16, Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) experienced a technical fault at Vito Cruz station in Manila, which affected the sector between Baclaran and Central terminal stations.
According to its private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), this incident prompted them to implement the “limited operations” between Dr. Santos and Baclaran stations and Central and Fernando Poe Jr. stations only from 10:07 am.
The said move was done “[t]o ensure the absolute safety of our commuters while our Engineering Team actively conducts rectification works.”
To support our affected commuters, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), in partnership with the Office of the President, Department of Energy (DOE), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Philippine Army, implemented free bus bridging services along the disrupted sector.
These “Libreng Sakay” buses were deployed to transport passengers between Central Station and Baclaran Station (and vice versa) to aid passengers to reach their destinations in the affected segment.
“LRMC expresses sses its sincerest apologies to our passengers for the disruption and the significant inconvenience this has caused to your daily journeys,” further read the operator’s statement.
It added, “We understand the vital importance of the LRT-1 to your commute, and we regret the added travel time and stress resulting from this situation.”
The line eventually resumed full operations from Dr. Santos to Fernando Poe Jr. stations (and vice versa) at 2:13 pm.