LRMC chief proposes temporary LRT station near SM North EDSA Annex

Light Rail Manila Corporation Chief Rogelio L. Singson proposed to the Department of Transportation having a temporary Light Rail Transit (LRT) station in front of SM City North EDSA Annex in Quezon City, a report on Unang Balita on Thursday said.

Singson, former Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and now President and Chief Executive Officer of LRMC, said the proposed temporary station would not affect the construction of the permanent common station of the Metro Rail Transit and LRT which could be completed by April 2019.

Singson said if the primary concern is to ease the woes of commuters, their proposed temporary station would be able to service over 30,000 to 40,000 passengers every day.

According to LRMC, the temporary station can be completed within 10 to 12 months.

It added they could start the construction this year once the government gives the go signal.

The proposed temporary station is seen to run for two and a half years to three years in order to recoup the expenses amounting to P250-280 million.

The LRMC also mentioned that there will be a need to upgrade the signaling system and to modify the power lines of LRT prior to the operation of the temporary station.

Singson said the decision to approve their proposal is now up to the government.

Meanwhile, on February 15, the Senate Committee on Transportation will discuss the proposal of LRMC.

Officials are set to ride the LRT from Roosevelt Station to SM City North EDSA Annex around 7 a.m. of the same day. —Marlly Rome C. Bondoc/KG, GMA News