Extended LRT, MRT operating hours urged
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Mon, 21 Jan 2019 10:03:38 +0000
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THE chairman of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development yesterday called for the extension of hours of operation of LRT and MRT to help ease road congestion and help affected commuters get relief from heavy traffic.
Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo aired the appeal even as he filed a bill making it mandatory for government officials to take public transport at least once a month for them to experience first hand what it is to be caught in traffic jams on Metro Manila streets.
Castelo said the Lower House will use “legislative persuasion” to convince the management of LRT and MRT to consider his recommendation to extend operations for at least another two hours in the evening.
Castelo explained that a big number of commuters, especially those going home from work, have been crowding themselves into buses and jeepneys because of the “short operation hours” of the mass railway systems in Metro Manila.
LRT and MRT trains run only up to 10 to 10:30 pm daily, it was gathered.
Castelo explained that as a result of monstrous traffic jams experienced in Metro Manila roads, many commuters, especially students and workers, are unable to catch rides and are usually stranded even up to 12 midnight.
“LRT and MRT operators must consider this fact. Tens of thousands of students and workers need immediate relief from their exhausting daily grind,” he said. (Ben Rosario)