LRTA allows barefoot passengers on Black Nazarene Day
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 01/07/2009 12:05 PM
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On Friday, January 9, don't be surprised to see barefoot passengers riding the Light Rail Transit system on their way to Quiapo.
The Light Rail Transit Authority management on Wednesday said it will relax its otherwise stringent security policy by allowing barefoot passengers to board its trains in deference to the customary celebration of the Feast Day of the Black Nazarene on Friday.
LRTA Administrator Melquiades Robles said traffic is expected to be heavy on this day so they are offering their LRT system as a cheap, fast, safe and more convenient alternative to regular transport.
He said the LRTA will deploy additional security personnel with K9 dogs, as well as medical personnel and additional tellers at the UN Avenue, Central, Carriedo, D. Jose and Recto stations to accommodate the expected surge in passenger volume.
“We are more than ready to accommodate the increase in ridership on Friday, which we expect to be around 540,000,” Robles said, assuring passengers there will be more than enough trains to service them.
He said they are looking at fielding 31 trains with 2 spares to service the devotees and their regular passengers.
Following its Capacity Expansion Project, LRTA’s Baclaran-Monumento System now has a stable of 139 coaches that may be configured into 3-car or 4-car train combinations depending on passenger demand, with a carrying capacity of 1,309, 680 passengers per day.
Its Recto-Santolan System has 16 trainsets available, which can carry a maximum of 730, 240 passengers per day.
Earlier, the MRT3 management conducted exploratory talks with the LRTA, intending to lease the latter’s 1st Generation Trains (BN-ACEC), to supplement its train service after it was found to have already exceeded its carrying capacity.
In January 9, 2008, around 479,175 passengers took the LRT train, while the LRTA fielded around 31 trains during the said feast day celebration.
The feast of the Black Nazarene will start on Thursday with an overnight prayer vigil at the Luneta Park and will culminate on Friday with the traditional procession that will wind its way through the streets of Manila with a statue in black wood of Christ carrying the cross towards Calvary.
Tens of thousands of devotees from all walks of life are expected to take part in the said celebration.
