LRT-1 suspension of weekend operations starts Aug. 17-18

The Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) has issued an advisory reminding commuters that the suspension of weekend operations of the Manila Light Rail Transit System Line 1 (LRT-1) will commence this weekend, Aug. 17 and 18.

Commercial train services will be unavailable throughout its existing line from the Fernando Poe Jr. (formerly Roosevelt) to Baclaran stations over the next three weekends. Operations will be affected on the following dates:

• August 17 to 18
• August 24 to 25
• August 31 to September 1

The move is targeted to "fast-track the preparations for the expected opening of LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 this Q4 2024," the LMRC said in an advisory on Thursday evening.

"LRMC has coordinated with our government partners in ensuring the following alternative transport options to help you manage your commute during the weekend closure period," the LRMC added.

The advisory listed the following alternative transport options for affected commuters:

• Bus — Malanday to MOA
• EDSA Carousel — Monumento to PITX
• UV Express — SM Fairview to Buendia

Jeep/Modern Jeep

• MCU to Divisoria
• MCU to Recto
• MCU to Sta. Cruz
• MCU to Pier South
• MCU to Pasay Rotonda
• Blumentritt to Baclaran (via Taft Avenue)
• Cubao to Vito Cruz

For Malanday-MOA buses, the advisory said, a special extended route and bus stops will be implemented specifically for the LRT-1 weekend closures.

Meanwhile, the advisory noted that the EDSA Carousel would provide access to the Yamaha Monumento, Balintawak, and Fernando Poe Jr. stations.

Commuters may walk from the Monumento Station to the front of MCU to reach the EDSA Carousel, the advisory added.

Phase 1 of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project covers the first five additional stations within Parañaque City: Redemptorist, MIA, PITX Asia World, Ninoy Aquino, and Dr. Santos.

Phase 1 will extend the existing Line 1 by 6.2 kilometers.

It is expected to significantly reduce travel time and benefit up to 600,000 passengers daily. — Sherylin Untalan/ VDV, GMA Integrated News