Finally. We know a lot of you commuters have been waiting a long while for this: the LRT-2 has resumed full-line operations.
The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) announced that train operations from Santolan to Recto and vice-versa will resume starting today, January 22, 2021. This comes more than a full year since the fire incident that initially caused the closure of the Anonas, Katipunan, and Santolan stations.
In a previous statement, however, the LRTA requested commuters to allot a longer travel time as the trains will operate under a 30kph speed restriction between the three newly reopened stations. Travel time from Santolan to Recto will supposedly take more than 35 minutes, or about seven minutes longer than usual.
PPEs still required & talking prohibited
Of course, commuters should be reminded that safety protocols for public transportation will still be enforced in all trains and stations. Train users must still wear PPEs, and talking will still be prohibited.
The LRTA’s statement reads: “Other health and safety protocols in place such as disinfection of train’s interior after every loop; disinfection of station facilities/equipment particularly frequently-touched surfaces like ticket vending machines, AFCS gates, elevators, escalators and handrails at an hourly interval; provision of alcohol at strategic locations inside the stations and liquid hand-soaps inside the restroom; and wearing of face mask and face shield by all frontline personnel (station personnel, train drivers, cashiers and security guards) will also continue.”
The agency also said that it will be deploying more trains along the line soon to increase the total capacity and reduce the current headway for commuters.
So, readers—how will the LRT-2’s resumption of operations affect your daily commute? We reckon a lot of you can now breathe a sigh of relief. Let us know what you think in the comments.
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