According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), commuters in southern Metro Manila can expect significant travel improvements as five new stations on the LRT-1 Cavite Extension are set to open later this month. The new stations, marking Phase 1 of the long-awaited project, include Redemptorist, MIA, Asia World (PITX), Ninoy Aquino, and Dr. Santos (Sucat).
During a press briefing, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista announced the upcoming inauguration, stating, “We will open this line within the next two to three weeks, within November. This will be the first railway project to be completed under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.”
Six-Kilometer Extension to Ease Commute
Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the private operator of the LRT-1, confirmed that the five new stations extend the railway’s alignment by an additional six kilometers, bringing the total line length to 26 kilometers. LRMC President and CEO Enrico Benipayo noted that the new stretch would allow commuters to traverse the alignment within less than an hour.
The LRT-1 runs from FPJ Station (formerly Roosevelt) in Quezon City to Baclaran Station in Pasay, serving approximately 320,000 passengers daily. With the addition of the new stations, daily ridership is expected to increase by 80,000, reaching 400,000 passengers. By 2028 or 2029, LRMC aims to boost capacity further to accommodate around 650,000 passengers per day.
Economic Impact and Future Expansion Plans
Benipayo emphasized the economic benefits of the extension, though specific figures were not provided. “This extension will significantly reduce travel time by about 30 minutes between Baclaran and Dr. Santos Avenue,” he said. The shorter commute is anticipated to impact the economies of communities near the new stations positively.
Phase 2 of the Cavite Extension project will add the Las Piñas and Zapote stations, with Phase 3 culminating in the Niog Station in Bacoor, Cavite. The government has yet to announce a timeline for these remaining phases.
The LRT-1 Cavite Extension project is expected to transform commuting for thousands in Metro Manila, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing public transportation infrastructure in the Philippines.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.