The LRT1 Cavite Extension: Where Commuters Find New Found Freedom!
Hold onto your hats, folks! On November 16, 2024, the first phase of the Light Rail Transit Line 1’s (LRT1) Cavite extension project opened its doors—well, more like its five shiny new stations—like a surprise party nobody expecting. Just as you think the traffic can’t get any worse, along comes a train to the rescue! And let’s be honest, with five new stops, it’s basically like winning the commuting lottery.
According to the Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) spokesperson, Jacqueline Gorospe, it was a busy morning on the debut day. The top stations getting all the love? PITX, Ninoy Aquino Ave., and Dr. Santos. You’d think they were giving away free coffee based on the crowd. Everyone jumped at the chance to test out the new rail system—especially those poor souls who normally brave the Edsa traffic like it’s some kind of high-speed rollercoaster.
“And we also saw an increase in southbound passengers from EDSA Station,” Gorospe reported, sounding much less surprised than the rest of us. It seems the siren song of the L1CE was too hard to resist, with many daring souls abandoning their cars in favor of a new train ride adventure. “Who wants to sit in bumper-to-bumper misery when you can stand in a crowded Metro train?” – said no one ever. But hey, that’s the spirit!
As for Dr. Santos Station, there was a noticeable boost in first-time train riders and families opting for public transport instead of their gas-guzzlers. Just think—it’s a weekend, it’s a family outing, and suddenly the air is fresher, the stress is lower, and someone’s not screaming at you for running late! We love to see it!
The five new additions are: Redemptorist – Aseana Station, MIA Road Station, PITX Station, Ninoy Aquino Avenue Station, and yes, Dr. Santos Station, which we used to know as Sucat. Good luck trying to convince your relatives that the train to Dr. Santos is NOT an invitation to visit that doctor for your ailments. Cutting through family tradition and expectations—what a thrill!
Now, if you’re worried about schedules, fear not! The LRMC is sticking to the existing LRT1 timetable. Weekdays? First train at the crack of dawn (4:30 a.m. for those early birds) until the last train takes off at 10:00 p.m. Want more sleep on weekends? The first train rolls out at 5:00 a.m. until about 9:45 p.m. when the last train pulls out. You might as well set your alarms—this is public servitude at its best!
And how about the fares, you ask? Oh, they’re still keeping it sweet and simple: P13.29 for a boarding fare, plus P1.21 per kilometer. So, you could cross the entire line for a maximum of P45—which, let’s be honest, is a much better deal than Ubering through that same traffic marathon. Friends, riding the rails is the new chic.
So, add these five stations to your maps, your Insta stories, and your heart. The LRT1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 is here to stay, making commuting just a tad less painful. Welcome aboard, folks! May your travels be swift, your seats free, and your fellow riders at least slightly less annoying than usual. Enjoy your ride!
—VAL, GMA Integrated News
The highly anticipated first phase of the Light Rail Transit Line 1’s (LRT1) Cavite extension project officially commenced operations on Saturday, November 16, 2024, introducing five new stations to eager commuters across the region.
According to Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) spokesperson Jacqueline Gorospe, the initial day of operations for the LRT1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 (L1CE) revealed that the stations attracting the largest number of passengers were PITX, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, and Dr. Santos, showcasing the project’s immediate impact on local transit.
“On our first operational day, we also noticed a significant uptick in southbound passengers departing from EDSA Station headed toward LRT1’s new Cavite Extension stations, particularly the PITX station. By 10 a.m., the ridership heading south from EDSA exceeded the typical weekend volume,” Gorospe reported, highlighting the newfound convenience the extension offers for commuters.
Families and first-time train riders were also evident at Dr. Santos Station, with many opting for public transportation over their personal vehicles, a trend noteworthy for a weekend, as Gorospe emphasized the shift in commuting behavior.
The five new stations that form part of the LRT1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 include Redemptorist – Aseana Station, MIA Road Station, PITX Station, Ninoy Aquino Avenue Station, and Dr. Santos (previously known as Sucat) Station, enriching the overall connectivity of the railway line.
LRMC confirmed that the established train service hours for LRT1 will now encompass the entire line, which has expanded to include 25 operational stations, further enhancing its accessibility.
For weekdays, the initial train service will commence from Dr. Santos Station and Fernando Poe Jr. Station at 4:30 a.m., with the final train departing Dr. Santos Station at 10:00 p.m. and Fernando Poe Jr. Station at 10:15 p.m., allowing commuters to plan their travel effectively.
On weekends and holidays, services will begin slightly later at 5:00 a.m., with the last trains scheduled to leave Dr. Santos and Fernando Poe Jr. Stations at 9:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., respectively, catering to late-night travelers.
LRMC has also committed to maintaining the existing fare structure for these newly added stations, ensuring a seamless transition for riders. The base boarding fare is set at P13.29, alongside a distance fare of P1.21 for every kilometer traveled.
The maximum fare for a single journey ticket covering the entire route from Fernando Poe Jr. Station to Dr. Santos Station—and vice versa—is capped at P45, while the fare using a Stored Value Card is slightly lower at P43, providing cost-effective options for daily commuters.
—VAL, GMA Integrated News
What were the highlights of the initial reception for the LRT1 Cavite Extension on its opening day?
**Interview with Jacqueline Gorospe, Spokesperson for the Light Rail Manila Corp. on the LRT1 Cavite Extension**
**Editor:** Welcome, Jacqueline! The launch of the LRT1 Cavite Extension seems like a game-changer for local commuters. Can you tell us about the initial reception on November 16th?
**Jacqueline Gorospe:** Thank you for having me! The response on our opening day was incredible. We were pleasantly surprised by the turnout, especially at the PITX, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, and Dr. Santos stations. It felt like a festive atmosphere with many commuters eager to experience the new service.
**Editor:** It sounds like people were really excited! Did any specific trends in passenger demographics stand out to you on the first day?
**Jacqueline Gorospe:** Absolutely! We noticed a significant number of southbound passengers coming from the EDSA Station. Many were first-time train riders, including families who normally rely on private vehicles. It was heartwarming to see them opting for public transport, reducing their stress and environmental footprint.
**Editor:** That’s wonderful to hear! With five new stations including Dr. Santos, how do you envision these changes impacting daily commuting for residents in the area?
**Jacqueline Gorospe:** The impact is already evident. Commuters can now bypass the notorious traffic jams. The station placements promote more accessible transport options and encourage people to explore public transit, which is not only time-efficient but more economically feasible compared to cars or ride-sharing.
**Editor:** Speaking of economics, what fare structure can commuters expect with the new extension?
**Jacqueline Gorospe:** We’re keeping it user-friendly. The fare starts at P13.29, plus P1.21 per kilometer. Commuters can travel across the entire line for a maximum of only P45, which is a bargain compared to other modes of transport during peak traffic.
**Editor:** That’s great news, especially for budget-conscious travelers! Looking ahead, what future developments can we expect from the LRT1 Cavite Extension project?
**Jacqueline Gorospe:** We are committed to enhancing our services and expanding our reach. Future phases will focus on improving efficiency, user experience, and perhaps even increasing the frequency of trains during peak hours to accommodate rising demand.
**Editor:** Fantastic! Thank you for sharing these insights, Jacqueline. It looks like the LRT1 Cavite Extension is here to improve commuting for everyone.
**Jacqueline Gorospe:** Thank you! We’re excited to be part of this journey and make public transport a more appealing option for everyone.
**Editor:** Thank you again, Jacqueline!