MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has granted special permits to 20 buses to deploy an augmentation program aimed at easing commuter congestion along the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) corridor.
The initiative, pushed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), addresses the rising passenger demand and the limited number of operational trainsets on the rail line, which runs between Antipolo City in Rizal and Recto Station in Manila.
LTFRB Acting Chairperson Atty. Greg Pua Jr. emphasized that the deployment is designed to help workers and students reach their destinations smoothly during peak rush hours.
“The LTFRB shares the same goal of providing alternative modes of transportation for the LRT-2 passengers, especially during the morning and afternoon rush hours, who just want to go to their work and back home as early as possible,” Pua said in a news release.
Under the approved permits, the fleet is split into two primary routes originating from Antipolo City, Rizal:
- Antipolo–Legarda Route via Marcos Highway, E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, and España Boulevard: Ten units will service this corridor, improving access to key educational institutions such as Trinity College, the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Far Eastern University (FEU), and the University of the East (UE). It also provides direct transit to major medical facilities along E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, including St. Luke’s Medical Center–Quezon City, De Los Santos Medical Center, and the National Children’s Hospital.
- Antipolo–Cubao Route via Marcos Highway and P. Tuazon Boulevard: Ten units will ply this line, bringing commuters closer to EDSA Busway and MRT-3 stations to facilitate smoother transfers.
Half of the total authorized units will operate specifically from the LRT-2 Antipolo Station in Masinag to minimize crowding.
LTFRB noted that the service will also lower commuters’ overall transportation costs by removing the need for intermediary rides like tricycles to reach schools and workplaces.