DOTr orders LRT operator: Finish Baclaran Station repairs by end-2025

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday ordered the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) to complete its repairs at LRT-1 Baclaran Station by the end of 2025 after it observed multiple deficiencies that affect commuters.

After inspecting the Baclaran Station, acting DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the transport facility does not cater to persons with disability (PWDs) and senior citizens, as some passageways were blocked.

Lopez also lamented that the station's restrooms have had no water supply for four years already.

"Okay lang naman kung luma basta't malinis at maayos ang imprastraktura. Parang hindi naman istasyon ito," Lopez said in a statement on Tuesday.

(Even if a station is old, it's okay as long as the infrastructure is clean and in good condition. However, this doesn't seem fit to be a station for commuters at all.)

"Hindi naman porke't hindi nagrereklamo 'yung mga tao, parang tanggap na nila, hahayaan na lang natin, hindi na natin gagawin ang trabaho natin. Hindi pwede 'yung ganun. Dapat matagal nyo ng inaksyunan ito," he added.

(It does not mean that just because people are not complaining, they already accept their plight, we'll turn a blind eye, and we won't do our job anymore. This is unacceptable. You should have fixed it.)

Lopez also flagged the station passageway, which remains unfinished since construction started last March. Progress has been slow as only three people were working on it.

DOTr is also studying the possibility of installing an elevator in the station for the commuters' convenience. 

Lopez ordered Transit Authority Administrator Hernando Cabrera to monitor LRMC's repairs.

In a separate statement, LRMC assured that it will hurry its repairs, as it acknowledged Lopez’s observation. 

“We assure the riding public and Acting Secretary Lopez that we will accelerate the completion of these ongoing works and will fully comply with the Secretary’s mandate to address any noted areas requiring immediate attention,” LRMC said.

“LRMC is working hand-in-hand with its grantors, Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and DOTr, to ensure that the LRT-1 system meets the highest standards of safety, convenience, and efficiency. This collaborative approach is vital to delivering the best possible service to our commuters,” it added.— VDV/RF, GMA Integrated News