New LRT-2 stations promise smoother travel across Manila

The Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) is set to extend westward with the addition of three new stations, aiming to improve access to Manila’s bustling commercial and port areas. The proposed West Extension Project will add stops in Divisoria, Tutuban, and Pier 4, extending the line from its current western endpoint in Recto.

According to Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Administrator Fernando Cabrera, the expansion will add about five kilometers of rail and is intended to serve commuters traveling to the Port of Manila and surrounding areas. The terminal station is expected to be located inside the pier complex, providing a direct link for passengers from the inter-island ferry terminal to the LRT system.

Originally proposed in 2019, the extension faced delays due to funding limitations. So far, P2 billion has been allocated for right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation out of the estimated P10 billion total project cost. The Department of Transportation has prioritized these activities to avoid further delays.

Cabrera noted that infrastructure bottlenecks such as property acquisition and relocation of informal settlers often delay major rail projects, hence the focus on addressing these issues early.

The LRT-2 line currently runs from Recto in Manila to Antipolo in Rizal, with 13 operational stations. In 2021, the line was extended eastward with the addition of the Marikina-Pasig and Antipolo stations. Future plans include a further extension to Cogeo in Antipolo, with three more stations being studied.

As part of broader efforts to improve service, the LRTA has increased the number of operational train sets to ten as of 2024, up from six or seven in 2022. Each train set consists of four coaches, intended to accommodate the growing number of passengers.

The West Extension Project is expected to enhance connectivity in some of Metro Manila’s most congested areas and support the long-term goal of developing a more efficient, reliable mass transit system.