PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed on Wednesday to pursue more public transportation development projects as part of the administration’s efforts to improve the lives of the commuting public.
“I assure you that this administration will continue to pursue more public transportation development projects that will improve our people’s mobility and interconnectivity as well as to enhance the quality of each Filipino,” President Marcos said.
The President made the remark during the inauguration of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) 4th Generation (4G) Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) where he also urged the public to join with the government in building the modern, innovative and prosperous Philippines that everyone envisions.
The new LRVs will be used in the existing LRT-1 system project of the government and the future LRT-1 Cavite Extension.
In his speech, the President anticipated that the LRT-1 Cavite Extension will become fully operational by 2027. The Cavite extension project can accommodate up to 800,000 passengers daily and will shorten the travel time between Baclaran, Pasay City and Bacoor, Cavite from one hour to 10 to 25 minutes.
“Having said that, I ask the public for your continued patience during the construction of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension,” President Marcos said as he asked the commuters to practice courtesy and basic etiquette when using public conveyances so that the trains can run efficiently, effectively and orderly.
President Marcos emphasized in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) the integral role of infrastructure development such as the construction of farm-to-market roads and improvement of the country’s railway systems, and the social and economic progress.
The chief executive said that he is proud to witness the inauguration of the new LRVs.
“It truly makes me proud to witness the steady realization of our vision of a more developed Philippines coming into fruition through our new LRVs, which will be used in our existing LRT-1 system and on the LRT-1 Extension to Cavite,” Marcos said.
The President also acknowledged the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), and the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) for working together to provide the Filipino people with safe, reliable and efficient transportation service.
The President also thanked the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Mitsubishi Corporation, and the Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles for partnering with the Philippine government in the Capacity Enhancement of Mass Transit Systems in Metro Manila Project.
“This commitment that you have shown to enhance the capacity of the LRT-1 by increasing the number of LRVs, we will be able to aid in easing traffic congestion as well as mitigating air pollution caused by vehicles plying the roads of Metro Manila,” President Marcos said.
“Equipped with advanced passenger information systems, and a new signaling system, I am confident that the LRVs will not only improve the overall passenger experience, but also will be championing safety,” he added.
