Extension of LRT-2 to Tondo and Antipolo being studied
Posted on November 19th, 2009
The LRT-2 which currently runs 13.8 kilometers and traverses five cities in Metro Manila – which are Pasig, Marikina, Quezon City, San Juan, and Manila along the major thoroughfares of Marcos Highway, Aurora Boulevard, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, Legarda and Recto, is undergoing study for its on both its east and west end.
The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) said it is considering the extension on both ends of LRT-2 for it to reach from North Harbor area in Tondo to Antipolo City in Rizal. This is according to LRTA administrator Melquidades Robles who said that the feasibility study on lengthening of the LRT Line 2 system is being conducted by industrial firm Marubeni Philippines Corp.
“The impact of this is big. We’ll be connecting the sea to the mountains,” said Robles in an interview.
The on-going study for the said project started two months ago. Robles said the costs for the study are being shouldered by the Japanese government through a grant. He did not give details regarding the grant though.
He said, “We still don’t know what mode will be used to fund the project,” adding that what important at this point is to get the technical specifications of the plan clearly mapped out. He added “The study is ongoing and we’re just waiting for their feedback,” referring to the local subsidiary of one of Japan’s largest trading firms, Marubeni Corp.
The extension to Tondo and Antipolo, Rizal was actually has been part of the original plans for LRT-2, the country’s newest but least utilized train system.
The first overhead train systems in the metro is the LRT Line 1, which is the 15-kilometer system from Monumento in Caloocan to Baclaran in Parañaque, followed by the Metro Rail Transit or MRT system which travels along EDSA from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay.
