Complementing train services as these buses will operate parallel to the line.
On Wednesday, November 4, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon personally inspected the pilot run of the bus augmentation service that will ply along the route of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2).
The service, which was developed followingt the feasibility study conducted by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), is seen as a measure to add capacity of the line, while it awaits new trainsets to be procured.
In the initial run of the bus service, a total fleet of 10 buses have been greenlit to operate between Antipolo and Legarda and vice versa via Marcos Highway, E. Rodriguez, España Boulevard.
Meanwhile, another set of 10 buses were designated for the Antipolo – Cubao (and vice versa) route, which will run via Marcos Highway, P. Tuazon.
These augmentation bus services was created after former Transportation Secretary and now Public Works Chief Giovanni Lopez directed to find ways to add capacity for the line, which has seen heavy congestion at its stations, especially during rush hour.
In assessment, it was found that there are long queues and congestion at its stations during peak times, which extends from station platforms to the lower levels and surrounding streets, resulting in prolonged waiting times that affect the daily commute of the public.
Aggravating that is the fact that only eight to ten trains are currently in operation, which also causes longer headways in between trains.
Acting LTFRB Chairman Atty. Greg Pua, Jr. said: “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.”
Meanwhile, the DOTr and LRTA said that they are already taking steps to secure funding and purchase additional trainsets for LRT-2.
However, since the new trains are expected to take three years or more to arrive, the DOTr is exploring alternative measures to improve the situation and reduce passenger queues at the stations.
