LRT2 East Extension stations operational by April

The two additional stations extending the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT2) further to Rizal province are seen to be operational by April this year.

Light Rail Transit Authority spokesperson Hernando Carbrera said the two new stations, namely the Emerald station located in front of Robinsons Metro East and Sta. Lucia in Cainta and Masinag station located before the Masinag Junction in Antipolo City.

“April 26 gumagana na 'yung dalawang stations,” Cabrera said.

The P2.27-billion LRT2 East Extension project is seen to cut travel time from Recto station in Manila to Masinag to 40 minutes from the usual three hours via bus or jeepneys.

The additional two stations are designed to accommodate an additional 80,000 passengers daily during its first 5 years of operation, which will add to the current LRT 2 average daily ridership of 240,000.

The LRTA has also reopened three stations of the LRT2, which were close for more than a year due to fire incident in October 2019.

Starting January 22, stations in Santolan, Katipunan and Anonas resumed operations.

“Kahapon, marami ang natuwa. Pero in terms of passenger volume, hindi pa ata alam ng karamihan na bukas na ang lahat ng stations,” Cabrera said.

“Ongoing ang ating station rehabilitation project. Ina-upgrade natin ang physical infrastructure ng LRT2, pati ang escalator project. Mayroon din tayong gagawin for the three stations. Magi-install tayo ng cashless equipment,” he added. -MDM, GMA News