iskup2015 posted: " PDU30 inaugurates LRT 2 East Extension By Nidz Godino "Indeed, this project will improve mobility and ensure transportation connectivity, especially in busy eastern part of Metro Manila…now, our commuters can travel faster, be more produc"
"Indeed, this project will improve mobility and ensure transportation connectivity, especially in busy eastern part of Metro Manila…now, our commuters can travel faster, be more productive at work and enjoy quality time with their loved ones, especially in the middle of this health crisis," President Rodrigo Duterte inaugurated Light Railway Transit 2 East Extension project extends trips from Santolan Station in Marikina City to Antipolo station and increases daily ridership from 240,000 to 320,000 for the entire LRT-2 stretch from Recto, Manila to Antipolo City.
With opening of two LRT 2 stations in Marikina and Antipolo, the usual three-hour travel time from Recto, Manila to Masinag, Antipolo will now be 40 minutes, Duterte said.
LRT-2 project, which adds 3.79 kilometers to the original 13.8 kilometers, is set to begin operations on Monday, Light Rail Transit Authority administrator Reynaldo Berroya said.
With less than a year left into his presidency, President Duterte credited Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Public Works Secretary Mark Villar for their hard work and persistence to make sure administration's infrastructure developments are realized amid COVID-19 pandemic.
He also commended Villar for performing his job "exceedingly well," in pursuing massive infrastructure projects in the last five years.
"I am pleased to be part of today's inauguration of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 East Extension Project, one of the hallmarks of this administration's strong commitment to provide better transportation system for all," he said.
President Duterte likewise praised Department of Transportation and its private sector partners for completion of the key project despite difficulties posed by pandemic. "Your efforts and determination show that our government stops at nothing to carry on with its mandate to serve people's interests no matter the circumstances," he said.
The President assured public "these developments will be responsive to the challenges of 21st century and beyond so we can adapt and respond to the unexpected challenges of the times."
"Let me assure you that we will fully reap benefits of our Build, Build, Build Program as we continue to overcome pandemic and gradually reopen our economy… I encourage everyone to help the government in creating an environment that will allow safe reopening of economic activities," the chief executive said.
President Duterte noted massive vaccination of majority of the Filipinos would allow the country to get back on its feet and eventually reopen economy.
"We can do this by getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and continuing to follow minimum health standards at work and in public places, especially in public transportation facilities like LRT," he said.
In his speech, President Duterte "whispered to Tugade to put moratorium on fees and give free rides to commuters for two to three weeks."
Tugade replied that commuters could get two weeks of free rides to and from the new stations.
President Duterte then asked officials to allow him to ride on LRT because he has not experienced riding on trains.
"We do not have trains in our place... I want to ride the train just to go around," the President said.
Sen. Bong Go told President Duterte Presidential Security Group might not allow him to ride the train and Tugade told him the train has no driver.
The President called on the public to continue practicing health standards against COVID-19 at work and in public spaces, like LRT-2, and get vaccinated so the country could reopen its economy soon.
Tugade said new stations would benefit students that make up 40 percent of the rail line's ridership, adding that there is a drop off point at the so-called University Belt in Manila where colleges and universities are found.
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