LRT-MRT-PNR Modernization Project

Project Description

LRT System Map

Because of an expanding rail network, the LRT-MRT-PNR System Map could no longer afford to have each direction of travel represented by a different color. Eventually, the map would run out of colors to use to represent each direction of travel. This was the main reason behind the revamp. Using the acclaimed London Underground Map as a reference, the LRT-MRT-PNR System Map was revamped, as announced by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications, Mr. Joseph Emilio Abaya.

Colors were used to represent each line rather than each direction of travel, cutting the usage of colors by half and preserving other colors for future lines.

• Red for North-South Line
• Green for East-West Line
• Blue for North-Southwest Line
• Yellow for Espana-Commonwealth Line
• Rich Maroon for Caloocan-Fort Bonifacio Line
• Purple for North-East Line
• Orange for East Rail Line
• Grey for Rizal Park-North Avenue Line
• Pink for C5 Line

The Manila LRT and MRT to have Automatic platform gates in underground and elevated stations that prevents riders from falling on to the tracks. Line 1 to 12 stations also have LCD screens that display the wait times for the next train. Line 1 to 12 trains have digital voice announcements and LCD passenger information display. Automated station announcements are recorded in English, Hong Kong Cantonese, Standard Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese and Filipino.

Platform screen doors by Westinghouse Brake and Signal Company Ltd (a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group) are installed at all elevated LRT and MRT stations. Manila's Light Rail Transit (LRT) was the second rapid transit system in Southeast Asia world to incorporate platform screen doors in its stations in 2005. These doors serve to prevent suicides, enable climate control within the station (better ventilation and air conditioning), better security control as access to the tunnels and tracks is restricted and for passenger safety considerations.

There is generally 2 series of the full height platform screen doors in use. The first series, installed at all elevated and underground stations along the North South Line, the East West Line (except Katipunan station in Quezon City) and the EDSA Line (except Buendia and Ayala Station in Makati City), have been in use since 2007. These cost about an additional S$1 million per platform. The latest series of platform screen doors, featuring a sleeker design and incorporating more glass surfaces, are installed at all elevated stations along the two driverless trains, North East Line and Circle Line. The Shaw Boulevard and Boni stations had installed screen doors, on the basic existing lines.

Aside from the modernization of the system, the LRT, MRT and PNR provides an obstacle-free environment within the entire system; all stations and trains are handicap accessible. Features include: handicap-capable restrooms, ramps, walkalators, escalators and elevators for wheelchairs and strollers, tactile guide paths, extra-wide faregates, and trains with a designated wheelchair area.

Each station is equipped with LED passenger information displays and LCD TVs both in the concourse and on the platforms which display the notification ticker to display announcements and train arrival and departure times.

Also includes the fare integration of the lines using the Credit Card Rechargeable Contactless SmartCard Technology to facilitate the transfer of passengers between the existing lines making it more convenient to travel using the railway system.

Recently a new study for the Metro Manila Rail Network has been unveiled by the DOTC undersecretary for Public Information Dante Velasco that LRT 1, MRT 2, and MRT 3 will be under one management, The Light Rail Transit Authority. This is due to maintenance cost issues for Line 1's maintenance cost is approximately Php 35 Million only, Line 2 is Php 25 Million only, while Line 3 has a staggering Php 100 Million maintenance cost. Another reason for this study is for the unification of the LRT 1 and the MRT 3 lines. According to DOTC Undersecretary for Rails Glicerio Sicat, the transfer is set by the government in June 2015.

As of January 13, 2011, Light Rail Transit Authority Chief Rafael S. Rodriguez took over as officer-in-charge of MRT-3 in preparation for the integration of operations of Yellow, Purple, and Blue Lines.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and various mayors of Metro Manila through the Metro Manila Council (MMC) have approved plans by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to extend the Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 and LRT 2 lines.

The extension plans were approved in Monday's meeting of the MMC serving as the Regional Development Council (RDC) at the Makati City Hall on January 23, 2014

The DOTC said that although the LRT Line 1 North-South Line (which runs from Baclaran in Pasay City to the Roosevelt Station in Quezon City) is physically connected with the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) line, operationally it is not.
Implementing Agency

• Light Rail Transit Authority (Lines 1 and 2)
• Metro Rail Transit Corporation (Line 3 and Line 5)
• Philippine National Railways (NorthRail and SouthRail)
• Universal LRT Corporation (Line 4, 7, 8 and 9)
• Department of Transportation and Communications