Gatchalian wants LRT2 privatized after fire causes partial shutdown

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday proposed to privatize the operations and maintenance of Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT2) amid the continuing partial shutdown of the mass rail transit system after fire hit its rectifiers between the Anonas and Katipunan stations last week.

LRT2 is the only remaining segment among the three existing LRT and MRT lines that has yet to be privatized, the senator noted.

“The LRTA (Light Rail Transit Authority) needs to seriously look into the privatization of the operation and maintenance of the LRT2 in order to avoid disruptions in operations,” he said in a statement.

According to the LRTA, it will take nine months to repair and fully restore the affected stations.

LRT2 resumed partial operations from Cubao to the Recto station and back on Tuesday after safety checks and other necessary procedures were completed. The line has been closed since October 3.

The fire has rendered the tracks from Santolan to Anonas unpassable and downed the power supply and signaling systems.

The LRTA should prepare for the long-term viability of LRT2, Gatchalian noted.

“Bukod sa paglalaan ng libreng sakay para sa mga apektadong pasahero ay kailangang paghandaan din ng LRTA ang long-term viability ng linya,” he said.

“Sa ngayon ay pagsasapribado sa operasyon ng LRT-2 ang pinakamainam na solusyon,” the senator emphasized. —Amita Legaspi/VDS, GMA News