LRT-1 Cavite Extension now open

Traveling to and from south of Metro Manila will dramatically improve as the first five stations of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension began partial operations starting Nov. 16.

The LRT 1 Cavite Extension (L1CE) will enhance public transport as well as ease traffic problem in Parañaque, Las Piñas and other Cavite areas. 

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., along with Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista and private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), led the ceremonial opening of the first phase of the L1CE at Dr. Santos Station in Sucat, Parañaque. 

The Chief Executive recognized the legacy of his father, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., for the inaugural run of the LRT-1 in 1984, adding “the LRT-1 was the very first light rail urban transit system in South East Asia.” 

Pres. Marcos anticipates the completion of the last three stations of the LRT-1 up to Bacoor Cavite and other game-changing rail infrastructures such as the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), MRT-7, Common Station, and MRT-3, which he hopes move commuters efficiently. 

“If ease of travel is the key to prosperity, then it is in the railways that we find the drivers for growth,” the President said. 

Sec. Bautista said the new stations – Redemptorist-Aseana, MIA Road, PITX, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, and Dr. Santos (formerly Sucat) – will be a big improvement for the daily commuting experience of residents in the southern part of Metro Manila. 

“The opening of five out of eight stations will dramatically improve public transport into Metro Manila coming from the south which has long been plagued by daily traffic gridlock,” Sec. Bautista said. 

“When the three additional stations are eventually opened, LRT-1 will stretch for 32.4 kilometers, with depots in Baclaran and Zapote. Travel from Baclaran to Sucat and vice versa will just be for 14 minutes,” he added. 

The transport chief said that with the completion of the last three stations – Las Piñas, Zapote, and Niog in Bacoor, Cavite – the LRT-1 will be able to extend the benefits of efficient, comfortable and affordable train rides to more communities south of the metropolis. 

“As we have often said, these rail projects are game-changers in our effort to transform the country’s transport system. They generate jobs and livelihood for those residing within or around project sites. They stir economic activity through a ripple effect in various sectors,” said Sec. Bautista. 

A total of 120 more 4-car 4th-generation light rail vehicles (LRVs) or 30 train sets were procured that can accommodate an additional 300,000 passengers on top of LRT 1’s average daily ridership of over 320,000 commuters. The completed Phase 1 alone will add 80,000 passengers to the current daily ridership of the rail line. 

With additional 11.7 kilometers to the 20.7-kilometer initial rail segment from Baclaran to Monumento, the entire LRT-1 Cavite Extension will reduce travel time from Baclaran in Paranaque to Bacoor, Cavite to 25 minutes.