sana hindi dyologs yun walkway like sa MRT-LRT link sa taft

sana hindi dyologs yun walkway like sa MRT-LRT link sa taft

There's a description of the MRT_LRT link that I never would have thought of. Yeah it does seem a little... 'jologs.' Especially that part that rises on top of the rails because there's nowhere else to build crossing to the other side of LRT1's EDSA station.

@Renell: I'm so bad at estimating distances buddy. But it goes behind that whole block where the Odeon theater used to be all the way to where the bus stations are in D. Jose so I'd say 100 or 120 meters tops?

There's a description of the MRT_LRT link that I never would have thought of. Yeah it does seem a little... 'jologs.' Especially that part that rises on top of the rails because there's nowhere else to build crossing to the other side of LRT1's EDSA station.

@Renell: I'm so bad at estimating distances buddy. But it goes behind that whole block where the Odeon theater used to be all the way to where the bus stations are in D. Jose so I'd say 100 or 120 meters tops?


yeah... the stairs are so steep.. like climbing rocks

nickname namin don...stairways going nowhere yung under construction pa sya

haha, ang jologs talaga nung walkway na yun... at nakakahiya sa mga foreigners kasi minsan minsan may nakikita akong foreigners na sumasakay ng LRT1.

err.. what's so "jologs" about it. :? "D

kasi mukhang squatter yung pagkakagawa nung ibang parts, lalo na yung stairs paakyat dun sa bridge, sobrang steep, tapos madaming uka yung steps hindi pulido ang pagkakagawa, saka yung floor ang pangit ni wala man lang tiles o kahit anong finishing. :(

right i see. :( mukhang minadali.

i'm kinda against the vines on MRTs... i don't know... it looks... dirty!... or maybe i should wait till it covers the columns and start trimming it...

at ung MRT LRT link... kainis un! mas lalo kang mawawala kung sa loob k ng metro point dadaan... hehe... first time ko, nagoyo ako nung signages nila... puro "to MRT" pero ung arrows... pinapaikot lang pala ako sa mall!? gandang marketing strategy un ah... pero nakakainis!

Magaling talaga "magpaikot" ang Ayala land. :colgate:
ALI owns Metropoint together with Concepcion Industries w/c owns the land.

baka naman para hindi madulas yung stairs kaya walang tiles

i don't think so... hehe

malls have tiles naman dba :)
airports NAIA 2---> are on tiles :)
parang yung LRT2 rin ata KAtipunan station... if i remeber correctly :)

i'm kinda against the vines on MRTs... i don't know... it looks... dirty!... or maybe i should wait till it covers the columns and start trimming it...

at ung MRT LRT link... kainis un! mas lalo kang mawawala kung sa loob k ng metro point dadaan... hehe... first time ko, nagoyo ako nung signages nila... puro "to MRT" pero ung arrows... pinapaikot lang pala ako sa mall!? gandang marketing strategy un ah... pero nakakainis!

is this the Cubao MRT-3 and LRT-2 link? how does that link look like. cheers :?

@ronnaveth, more of cost cutting. but yeah muddy tiles can get ugly, not just literally.

those are nice LRT photos. and good to hear that Recto station is now on full swing. last time i took a joyride, the last station was Legarda. And ive also seen that u/c walkway. i thought it was for trains bec its quite wide. now i know what these are for.

Vines - we also have these on the columns that connect Cubao and Annapolis MRT3 Stations along EDSA. Plus the plans on the foot are well maintained. I just don't think these vines will last long. They don't seem to be annual or perennial plants. But the idea was bright!

hehe... your wording gave me a thought. maybe the vines are supposed to complement christmas lights to be wrapped around MRT poles? :D

errr...i don't think they will do that. but not bad if they will.

is this the Cubao MRT-3 and LRT-2 link? how does that link look like. cheers :?

they're talking about the link between MRT-3 and LRT-1... I think. haha...! with the small Ayala Mall. at the southern end of EDSA. the MRT-3 and LRT-2 link is Gateway Mall and Farmers Plaza of Araneta Center, diba...? I think that's gonna be a pretty good and convenient connection, as compared to the MRT-3 and LRT-1. I had to change trains from Metrostar to the LRT-1 back in May or June when I went out with a friend. it was cramped and really cheap and dirty looking to me. but better than nothing. I was able to get from the malls (Ayala, SM, etc.) in Makati all the way up to 5th Avenue Station in QC (which is a tricycle ride away from our subdivision) in just over 30 minutes.

they're also building a walkway to connect the malls in Araneta to seamlessly connect the two stations, right...? or not...

about second paragraph, yeah they plan to connect Lines 2 and 3 with Gateway Araneta i thikn...:?

is this the Cubao MRT-3 and LRT-2 link? how does that link look like. cheers :?

@ronnaveth, more of cost cutting. but yeah muddy tiles can get ugly, not just literally.

mrt3 - lrt1

they're talking about the link between MRT-3 and LRT-1... I think. haha...! with the small Ayala Mall. at the southern end of EDSA. the MRT-3 and LRT-2 link is Gateway Mall and Farmers Plaza of Araneta Center, diba...? I think that's gonna be a pretty good and convenient connection, as compared to the MRT-3 and LRT-1. I had to change trains from Metrostar to the LRT-1 back in May or June when I went out with a friend. it was cramped and really cheap and dirty looking to me. but better than nothing. I was able to get from the malls (Ayala, SM, etc.) in Makati all the way up to 5th Avenue Station in QC (which is a tricycle ride away from our subdivision) in just over 30 minutes.

they're also building a walkway to connect the malls in Araneta to seamlessly connect the two stations, right...? or not...

yeah... the construction of the bridgeway connecting gateway to "the NEW farmers plaza" is already ongoing... its actually blocking the red gate of the araneta coliseum...

yup, that's what they are digging beside the red gate. I can't find any renderings of the walkway on the net, but I saw a night rendering of it in Gateway, just infront of Taco Bell where all the other renderings are diplayed together with the La-Z Boy seats.

MRT halts operations from Shaw - Taft due to fire
Flash Reports | ABS-CBNNews.com | 12/17/2004 7:42:34

The Metro Rail Transit on EDSA suspended all coaches from Shaw Boulevard to Taft Avenue after a fire broke out near the MRT Guadalupe station, radio DZMM reported Friday.

Initial reports said fire broke out on the main power line near the MRT Guadalupe station.

DZMM reporter Armel Fernandez said firefighters are breaking open panels near the power line in an effort to quell the blaze.

MRT operations back to normal
Flash Reports | ABS-CBNNews.com | 12/17/2004 8:07:36 AM

The Metro Rail Transit on EDSA has resumed operations from Shaw Boulevard to Taft Avenue, MRT management said Friday.

The MRT temporarily suspended operations between Shaw Boulevard to Taft Avenue after a fire broke out near the MRT Guadalupe station.

MRT officials said a low voltage line that fed power to MRT offices caught fire at around 7 am and was put out 50 minutes later.

As of posting time, firefighters are still pouring water over certain sections of the relay line.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
haay nako...! the MetroRail sucks. this is like the nth incident this year. the MRT-3 wasn't any good to start off with and, to make matters worse, it looks like maintanance isn't any better either. the decades-old LRT-1 is faring much much better than this piece of %^&*!! hahaha...!! give it a few more years and this is probably gonna be neglected into the condition the Southrail has to bear with today. sayang talaga... sigh...

:) Well come here to Las Vegas and see how our monorail is doing. More money was spent on the monorail here compared to the MRT and LRT in Metro Manila and yet now it is out of service indefinitely after only a couple of months service. Hehehe parts of it fell below and it hit a car and who knows what else fell from this joke of a monorail.

The capacity of the Las Vegas Monorail is at 30,000 people a day compared to 300,000 to 400,000 people a day in Metro Manila for the LRT and MRT.

At least the MRT/LRT in Metro Manila is running. The one in Las Vegas is still being tested again and again. Hahaha.

Jon

well for one thing you can't compare a monorail with a mass-rail line. the former is not the latter.

onto MRT-3, it may well be running, but this is definately, like absent-minded says this isn't the first time. The fact that its running, but faults and problems occur regularly doesn't give me, and probably a lot of people, assurance that this Line is well built and secure.

Iho

Oh my, you didnt get it! The monorail in Las Vegas and the MRT/LRT in Metro Manila both had problems but the latter are in operation while the former is not. That's all!

Marami ka pa talagang kanin na kakainin!!

Pearl of the Orient Seas - The Philippines (http://community.webshots.com/user/jbkayaker12)

Jon

Right.....point stated and clearly understood.

I only intended to give flak to an obviously crap, under-par mass-metro line. Though a monorail is very much different from MRT-3. Not a lot of cities use it, and it is mostly for tourism, therefore the low number of users.

I wonder what the failure rates are at other mass transit systems are like. Just a few weeks ago, portions of the NYC subway were shut down because of flooding. This is New York mind you so even the best transit systems in the world suffer breakdowns. I don't know what is more pronounced though: a breakdown in a place where there are only 3 lines or a breakdown in a place where there are so many more lines, but also so many more passengers.

Still, this doesn't change the fact that MRT3 is crap.

I remember someone brought it up before, that these Eastern European trains, Czech if I'm not mistaken, are for cooler climates. What's anyone's take on this?

I think a better comparison to MRT 3 is the orignal LRT line 1. Line 1 is much more reliable even after operating for 2 decades. That just shows how bad Line 3 is, which runs through what is probably the most important route of the Metro.

when news bout Ukraine's political crisis came bout 2-3 wks ago, i was pretty surprised may subway pala sa Kiev, which leads me to wonder if Ukraine, is actually economically ahead than us...

It's actually not surprising to me since in many former communist countries, the economic engine was built upon construction of massive public works. A lot of money was poured into building public infrastructure-- transportation is just another example of government-run industry.

Well, even Pyongyang, North Korea has its own subway. Same with Tashkent in Uzbekistan. The Soviets were really big on public transportation.

Yeah, thats true. Vietnam, although becoming more and more capitalist is also starting a network of subways.

I'd certainly recommend subways for some Philippine cities. However would it be more expensive that overhead lines (LRT1)?

Well, even Pyongyang, North Korea has its own subway. Same with Tashkent in Uzbekistan. The Soviets were really big on public transportation.

Well, I think in a lot of communist countries, most people depend on it.

The monorail in Las Vegas was not built having only the tourists in mind. Do you honestly think the proper authorities will have a sign out there saying "For Tourists Use Only". All I am trying to say here is that the LRT and MRT is up and running while the one in Las Vegas is out of commision. That's all!

Jon

thats a pretty pathetic monorail then...Especially for such a high profile city such as Las Vagas.:D Where were the Monorial trains built?

Not from Vegas so I know little about the monorail. But isn't it totally privately funded by the casinos so that they could increase traffic between casinos by tourists? And since it only connects to different casinos on the strip, then isn't it specifically aimed towards tourists (even if the locals can certainly take it)? Now if the monorail went to the rest of the Las Vegas city grid-- like perhaps servicing the airport (which I think there are plans for) and perhaps UNLV and major stops along the way-- certainly downtown, it can't be a mass transit system like the ones in other cities such as San Francisco, Washington, New York, Chicago and Boston. Is it serving the citizens of Las Vegas or is it serving the visitors of Las Vegas? I do understand your point though. Las vegas's monorail isn't working and MRT3 is working. So clearly something is better here.

Ok. Did more research. www.lvmonorail.com

Website says Bombardier makes their rolling stock-- Bombardier has a strong track record in transportation-- in fact, it made some of the trains in the NY subway system before they went to Kawasaki, I believe.

but Bombardier does have its share of unreliability...and the Las Vagas monorail is one of them. Japanese or Western European (Hitachi, Siemens, etc) are the best when it comes to mass transportation rolling stock.

The fact that the LV Monorail will eventually connect all the way to downtown and to the airport says that is not just for tourists only. There are housing complexes on these areas and there are employees in these casinos.

By the way I like using both the LRT/MRT everytime I come back to the Philippines, I get to my destination quite fast. :)

Greyx :) regarding your last post! You got it!

Jon

But wouldn't tourists also want to go to downtown and come from the airport? ;)

Anyways, now that, imo, is a bad choice to begin with, a monorail. Ok, like you said it's not just for tourists, so why would they build a monorail? why not a light rail or a subway? is there a particular reason not mentioned yet why would they go for a monorail which cannot carry heavy load of passengers...:?

Renell

They built the monorail to decongest the traffic on the strip with tourist and locals clogging up the the entire stretch of Las Vegas Blvd. Not only did they build the monorail to ease congestion but to also make it easier for the conventioneers which make up a big bulk of the visitors to Las Vegas get to their hotels. As far as the locals there are so many housing complexes located where the monorail runs.

Since you think they made a bad choice by building a monorail instead of a subway or an even larger mass rail transit, let me suggest that you get in touch with the authorities in town. Who wants a brand new monorail that doesnt run anyway! Hehehe

By the way after living for almost 17 years in Las Vegas it is about time they built a monorail to supplement the existing public bus transportation which is also a joke. Anyway thank goodness the taxpayers money was not involved in this mess.

If you still couldnt figure out why the monorail was built, just check their website and it tells you the target market of the monorail and why it was built. :)

the boy with the thorn in his side, behind the hatred there lies a murderous desire for love....The Smiths :)

Pearl of the Orient Seas (http://community.webshots.com/user/jbkayaker12)

Jon

onto more on-topic things
-------------------------------------------
Looters blamed for MRT glitch

Updated 11:54pm (Mla time) Dec 17, 2004
By Clarissa Batino
Inquirer News Service

THE MANAGEMENT of Metro Rail Transit 3 has blamed looters for incidents of power tripping, including the one that triggered a fire yesterday morning near the Guadalupe station in Makati City.

The MRT-3 suspended operations between Shaw Boulevard to Taft Avenue in Baclaran before 7 a.m. to about 8:10 a.m. yesterday because of the fire.

MRT-3 General Manager Roberto Lastimoso said initial investigation showed that the fire was caused by a wiring fault in damaged steel cables.

An MRT employee at the Guadalupe station noticed smoke coming out from beneath the southbound tracks around 6:45 yesterday morning. Power was immediately shut off to contain the damage.

Mariano Gui, MRT-3 spokesperson, explained that when electric cables are cut, the system malfunctions, resulting in power tripping. He said the agency had apprehended some "rugby boys" earlier caught trying to steal the cable wires.

He said looters usually try to steal the cables' copper wires found under the tracks. The MRT would discover the cut cables after an unexplainable system malfunction.

Looters sell the copper found in the cables, like their counterparts who offer pilfered telephone cable wires to ready markets. The copper sells for at least P80 a kilo.

Lastimoso said the MRT security team earlier discovered about 20 meters of feeder wire connecting stations Guadalupe and Buendia that were burned and damaged.

"We get blamed for the MRT malfunction, but we are victims too, just like the passengers. We cannot provide security every inch of the railway," said Gui.

The MRT-3 had suffered from several instances of tripping and system malfunction for most of the second half of the year.

Gui said wear and tear had also played a part in the malfunctions, with an average volume of 400,000 passengers daily already exceeding the original ridership estimates. He said the agency had not yet come up with a plan that would strengthen the integrity of MRT-3's facilities and guard its cables against looters.

What is important, according to Gui, is that the MRT-3 has been able to respond immediately to any problem and is able to resume operations quickly.

Lastimoso said Makati firefighters, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Manila Electric Co. helped put out the fire and manage the traffic that ensued from the stalled train operations along Edsa
-----------------------------

For all those who want current news here is a wonderful website that I use on a daily basis.

Web Filipino (http://www.webfilipino.com)

the boy with the thorn in his side, behind the hatred there lies a murderous desire for love....The Smiths :)


Jon

But wouldn't tourists also want to go to downtown and come from the airport? ;)

Anyways, now that, imo, is a bad choice to begin with, a monorail. Ok, like you said it's not just for tourists, so why would they build a monorail? why not a light rail or a subway? is there a particular reason not mentioned yet why would they go for a monorail which cannot carry heavy load of passengers...:?

Renell, Monorails can be used for mass public transportation too... Malaysia, Japan, China, etc use monorails in their cities. Jakarta is also building two monorail lines. Dont tell me that all those monorail lines are just for tourists! They are used by locals to get around the city. Monorails can be a cheaper solution to congestion than heavier rail such as subways. And it can offer a view of the city to the passengers.

Hey guys, I cannot understand this. Why does the Monorail in Manila just can't integrate each other? bakit mayroong LRT or MRT pa? Very easy things made difficult and confusing. I think what the transportation authorities can do is to merge these two (MRT and LRT) and have a different name, like Manila Subway, Metro de Manille, or whatever, like any other cities in the world.

uhmmm... I think that the reason there is an LRT and an MRT is that these lines have 2 different management... LRT (1 and 2) are government owned, while MRT3 is concessioned to a private corp... they are now building bridgeway and walkways to interconnect each line...

in GMA's Strong Republic Transport Project, she is renaming the 3 lines to Yellow Line (LRT1), Blue Line (MRT3), and Purple Line (LRT2)... but I guess the old names are still more popular... :D

Hey guys, I cannot understand this. Why does the Monorail in Manila just can't integrate each other? bakit mayroong LRT or MRT pa? Very easy things made difficult and confusing. I think what the transportation authorities can do is to merge these two (MRT and LRT) and have a different name, like Manila Subway, Metro de Manille, or whatever, like any other cities in the world.

We dont have a monorail;) We have MRT/LRT.

Proponents of rail network's line 4 urged to review plan

The proponents of the Metro Rail Transit Line 4 (MRT4) need to update their plan for the 15.1-kilometer project since it had been stalled for the past six years.

An official from the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) said the Justice department has already declared null and void the first pass approval issued in 1998.

"The original proponents are back to square one. The NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority) asked them to revalidate all the figures. They need a new proposal since it has already lapsed," the DoTC official said.

He said the project should have started 18 months after the issuance of the first pass imprimatur in January 1998.

The MRT4 project will cover the stretch of España Street, Quezon Avenue, and Commonwealth Avenue from the Old Bilibid in Lerma, Manila to Batasan in Quezon City.

LINKS

The railway project will be linked to the existing MRT3, Light Rail Transit lines 1 and 2, and the Southrail of the Philippine National Railways.

The project was earlier delayed due to an alignment conflict the MRT4 had with MRT line 7, which will run from Tala, Rizal to Epifanio delos Santos Ave.

Last year, Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza said the issue has been resolved and the projects would commence this year. Neither of the projects has yet to start construction.

The MRT4 consortium has reportedly asked the National Economic and Development Authority to speed up the review for the issuance of the second pass approval since the delay is discouraging investors in the project.

The consortium involves Javlon Philippines International, and French companies Bouygues and Systra. -- Anna Barbara L. Lorenzo

I see. But I think the government and these private companies who owned the MRT should negotiate for MRT-LRT integration and formed a newly-named urban transport system, like Manila Transit Commission. Anyway, just my opinion.

I see. But I think the government and these private companies who owned the MRT should negotiate for MRT-LRT integration and formed a newly-named urban transport system, like Manila Transit Commission. Anyway, just my opinion.

the way i understand it, Pres. Arroyo has this Strong Republic Transport network (mentioned by pau in earlier post) comprised of the different railway systems in MM plus the north and south luzon railways plus maybe some other mass transportation medium. if im not mistaken, the goal is to consolidate this systems into one, link them to each other, and synchronize their operations to better serve public commuters.

on a side note, i think that the MRT is under the Build-Operate-Transfer scheme so after x number of years, management and operation will eventually be transfered to the government from the current private company that built it. please correct me if im wrong.

I think you are right Tyronne, if MRT is on B-O-T scheme, that will be turned over to the government after number of years, and hopefully everything is under one government-owned transport management company (like "Metro Manila Transit Commission"). That makes everything simple and easier.

now that we are talking about intergrated transit, i have always wondered why the transit in Manila has multiple transit companies but in other cities they have only 1 transit authority that operates the Bus and LRT system. What happened? why doesn't manila have a unified transit authority

That's what I was asking before. Except for the buses, because Manila does not have any (I guess) owned by the same authorities who run MRT and LRT.

The T part of BOT won't be for decades though. Typically BOT contracts are long term since the initial investors need to be assured of profits before they transfer anything to the government. Right now, MRTC's not even breaking even on a single terminal to terminal ride.

There are various mass transit rail operations in Metro Manila because the government just cannot afford to build an all-encompassing rail network on its own. That's why it leases out franchises to private companies (MRTC and soon, Henry Sy's group).

Just for comparison, NYC also had multiple subway companies for half of the twentieth century. There were 2 private subway lines and 1 NYC government operated line. The government started buying their competition around the 1940s. Up until the 1980s and 1990s, people still identified the different lines by their different operators' names (the IRT, the IND, the BMT) even if in reality they were integrated really well.

I see.

the way i understand it, Pres. Arroyo has this Strong Republic Transport network (mentioned by pau in earlier post) comprised of the different railway systems in MM plus the north and south luzon railways plus maybe some other mass transportation medium. if im not mistaken, the goal is to consolidate this systems into one, link them to each other, and synchronize their operations to better serve public commuters.

on a side note, i think that the MRT is under the Build-Operate-Transfer scheme so after x number of years, management and operation will eventually be transfered to the government from the current private company that built it. please correct me if im wrong.


you're right tyronne, i think the SRT network is one of the flagship projects of GMA.. i think she wants that to be one of her lasting legacies to the Filipino people.. hopefully everything is finished by the end of her term in 2010...

Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza announced yesterday that the government would “fast-track” the construction for the extension of the Metro Rail Transit 3 system (MRT 3) from North Avenue in Quezon City to the Caloocan northrail station on Samson Road in Caloocan City.

The 6.4-kilometer EDSA MRT 3 will be extended up to Caloocan Northrail Station on Samson Road, Caloocan City. It will have four stations, constructed on EDSA corner Roosevelt and Balintawak, Quezon City, and at the Monumento circle and Samson Road in Caloocan City. Once completed before 2010, the extension will close the MRT 3-LRT Line 1 loop. This would facilitate commuter traffic from Monumento to EDSA and vice vera, and at the same time connect MRT 3 to Northrail.

To read the entire article, please click here (http://www.mb.com.ph/BSNS2005010525701.html)

source: www.mb.com.ph

naiinis ako sa management ng MRT... laging ngbbreakdown ang mga escalators.. and they have inadequate gates (for lack of a better term) for the number of passengers that use the MRT..

la lng.. just letting off some steam..

there was another glitch in the MRT-3 system today... geez. they really need those new trains. and put better work into management and maintainance of the thing. sayang lang talaga... if they really need to implement the long-pending rate hikes to provide more reliable services, then go ahead. but I don't believe that is exactly the case... with the MetroStar and MRTC, at least...

i hope that they do raise the rates soon.. if this is the only way that their services would improve...

i had the chance to take all the 3 systems yesterday.
MRT-LRT2-LRT1.

hopefully GATEWAY mall would be connect MRT and LRT2 very very soon.

of course LRT2 is the best.

Yeah even with the rate increases in fares for the MRT/LRT it would still be cheaper compared to its counterparts is Bangkok, KL, HK, Tokyo.....

Jon

The connecting bridge in Gateway mall from MRT to LRT (passing through Araneta Coliseum and Farmers Plaza) has been u/c for a few months so maybe it won't take long before it gets finished. It's quite a long walk though, and you'll be passing through Gateway and Farmers Plaza so you might be tempted to buy something in those malls.

Yeah even with the rate increases in fares for the MRT/LRT it would still be cheaper compared to its counterparts is Bangkok, KL, HK, Tokyo.....

Jon
yeah. consider this... the cheapest train ticket you can buy in tokyo is maybe 160 yen... that's 80 pesos. but then, tokyo is different from manila anyways.

The connecting bridge in Gateway mall from MRT to LRT (passing through Araneta Coliseum and Farmers Plaza) has been u/c for a few months so maybe it won't take long before it gets finished. It's quite a long walk though, and you'll be passing through Gateway and Farmers Plaza so you might be tempted to buy something in those malls.

so that would be it. :)
months ago i read somewhere that GATEWAY will be an L-shaped mall making itself the bridge conecting both LRT and MRT.

The connecting bridge in Gateway mall from MRT to LRT (passing through Araneta Coliseum and Farmers Plaza) has been u/c for a few months so maybe it won't take long before it gets finished. It's quite a long walk though, and you'll be passing through Gateway and Farmers Plaza so you might be tempted to buy something in those malls.


well.. that is a marketing strategy to attract more customers... business opportunity is higher on areas where there is more traffic of prospective customers....

but yeah.. that is quite a long walk...

Guard killed in LRT robbery; P0.7M lost

Updated 10:19pm (Mla time) Jan 10, 2005
By Leila Salaverria
Inquirer News Service

Editor's Note: Published on page A15 of the January 11, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

TWO ROBBERS in janitors' uniforms struck at the LRT Line 2 station on C.M. Recto Avenue early yesterday morning, killing a security guard and taking with them P700,000 in cash from the cashier's office.

All that remained of the robbers after they left hurriedly was a trail of money bills at the stairs of the fire exit.

Police suspect an insider was involved in the incident.

The two not only wore uniforms similar to those worn by janitors from the Excellent janitorial agency who work at the LRT Line 2, but also turned off the light at the hallway where the security camera was located, indicating they knew where the camera was.
Killed in the incident was security guard Arcadio Borja, 28, from the Lockheed Security Agency.

According to SPO3 William Gondranios, Leo Inocentes, a cashier at the station, had just finished counting three days' worth of earnings at the corner of Recto Avenue and Evangelista Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila, at around 2 a.m.

Borja was inside the cashier's office at the station's third floor, where he was standing as a witness to the counting according to office procedure.

As Borja was about to leave the office, two armed men barged in and shot Borja, hitting him on the right side of the body.

One of the suspects told Inocentes to lie face down on the floor. They then tied the cashier's hands behind his back with a belt. Inocentes said he did not recognize either of them.

The two suspects later put the money bills in canvas sacks, but left behind the coins. Inocentes said there was around P850,000 in the cashier's office, but only P700,000 was missing.

The suspects also took with them Borja's shotgun and handheld radio, after hitting Inocentes with a blunt object. The cashier was later able to free himself and immediately called for help.

Borja was rushed to the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, where he was declared dead a few hours later.

The four janitors who were on duty at the LRT yesterday were also invited for questioning at the WPD homicide office yesterday, and would be subjected to a paraffin test. They denied involvement in the incident.

Gondranios said they would also find out how the suspects got hold of the janitors’ uniforms.

LRT guard killed in P.7-M heist
By Nestor Etolle
The Philippine Star 01/11/2005

Two armed men robbed the Claro M. Recto station of the Light Rail Transit-Line 2 (LRT-2) early yesterday, killing a security guard and escaping with at least P700,000 of the railway’s earnings.

The amount represents the three-day earnings of the LRT-2 station, officials of the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) said.

Investigators said the heist occurred at around 2 a.m. at the cash room located at the third level of the Recto station. Inside the room was the cashier, identified as Leo Inocentes, 38, who was counting the day’s earnings. With him was security guard, Arcadio Borja, 29.

Officer-on-case SPO3 William Gondranios said the cashier and guard first heard a knock on the door. When the guard opened the door, two men barged in and fired his gun, hitting him in the body.

As the guard fell to the floor, the suspects ordered the cashier to open the vault. One of the suspects emptied the vault of its contents, while the other tied the cashier’s hands and feet with a belt and told him to lie face down on the floor.

Before the suspects left, one of them hit the cashier twice on the head with a blunt object, rendering him unconscious.

The suspects fled through the exit gate, taking with them the guard’s shotgun and his two-way radio.

Borja, employed by the Lockheed Security Agency, was declared dead on arrival at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center due to a gunshot wound in the right side of the body.

Inocentes, after regaining consciousness, was able to free himself and called the LRT main office for assistance.

He told investigators the suspects also threatened to shoot him before leaving, but changed their minds.

Inocentes said the suspects were wearing blue T-shirts, the same kind worn by the LRT maintenance men.

Police invited for questioning four maintenance men who were on duty at the time of the robbery incident.

"We will subject them to paraffin tests to determine if they fired a gun recently. If anyone of them turns out to be positive, it will serve as prima facie evidence to hold him for further investigation," Detective Raul Olavario told The STAR.

Even the LRT guards detailed at the Recto station at the time of the incident are undergoing questioning as authorities are not ruling out an inside job.

Meanwhile, LRTA officials said they are going to conduct a review on the security arrangements at LRT-2.

LRTA Administrator Mel Robles admitted that robbery tends to indicate poor security at the LRT line considering its big army of private security guards complemented by contingents of uniformed Philippine National Police (PNP) patrolmen and bomb-sniffing canines.

"There is an indication na ganoon nga," Robles said.

He said they will still have to wait for the results of a formal and final investigation by police and other concerned law enforcement agencies.

"We will act when everything is final," Robles said.

Another article about that LRT incident - from mb.com.ph
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN2005011126154.html

yeah. consider this... the cheapest train ticket you can buy in tokyo is maybe 160 yen... that's 80 pesos. but then, tokyo is different from manila anyways.


Japan is one of the most expensive places to live and visit anyways.

Finally the long-pending but the very strategic MRT 7 project is moving. The project has been derailed for awhile because of some issues raised by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), which understandably wanted to make sure that the project would not be an additional burden for the cash-strapped government.


MRT 7 is the single biggest private investment project for the Arroyo administration requiring about a billion dollars in equity and a billion dollars of private debt, or $2 billion for both the railway and its real-estate development component to be pumped into the Philippine infrastructure segment. The amount of investment for the project is more than all other projects in the pipeline at present.


After a long and exhaustive review of the project, the DOTC through Assistant Secretary Roberto Castanares has informed NEDA Secretary Romulo Neri that the DOTC is ready to elevate for concurrence of the Neda-Investment Coordinating Council the compliance of the MRT 7 project of the first pass approval conditions imposed by NEDA.


The signals coming from NEDA is that the project can be given a go-ahead now that the concerns of the Department of Budget and the Department of Finance have been properly addressed.


What is heartening about this project is that despite the long process, the foreign investors have continued to be interested in funding it. In fact, MRT 7 has firmed up its discussions with Siemens to assume leadership of the EPC consortium jointly with China Railway #18th G. The apprehension of the foreign investors were allayed after they were assured that the long approval process is necessary to comply with the law and that a smooth implementation is guaranteed once all requirements are complied with.


More investors are expected to come in once NEDA-ICC gives the project final first pass approval including a group of Japanese and Israeli investors.


The MRT 7 project will pave the way for a new approach for a combination of real estate and transportation to attract investors to the transportation infrastructure sector that has been critically behind the times.


As a transportation project, MRT 7 is a 22-km primarily elevated light railway transport system that will run from Tala, Bulacan, to North Avenue at the corner of EDSA. It will connect to MRT 3 and eventually to MRT 2 through the Novaliches and Fairview route. A component of the project is a 20-km 8-lane asphalt private road that will connect a 195- hectare anchor residential/commercial development intermodal bus-train station depot to service commuters coming from Central Luzon, Northern Luzon and the Ilocos provinces.


MRT 7, once operational, is expected to service more than two million commuters in Bulacan, northern and central Quezon City as well as commuters coming from the provinces north of Manila.

The project is designed to address the perennial traffic congestion in northern Metro Manila. It will also enhance development by opening new satellite cities for business and residential expansion.


The real-estate component of the project would be anchored by the 195-hectare depot that is planned to be the core of a new city that would help decongest Metro Manila and transform it into a new hub.


Universal LRT Corp., the proponent of the project said that if things go as planned construction of MRT 7 will be early next year and it would be operational by 2009. Universal LRT said it also has the option to complete the MRT-LRT loop in Metro Manila after it has been invited to bid for the completion of the 6 km of Line 3 from North Avenue to the PNR site of the North Rail Terminal in Caloocan.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

great news...! sounds like a very, very good development with the mini city right at the doorsteps of the intermodal terminal and all. and I like the way the private highway to be built will make the MRT line accessible to so many commuters in the surrounding areas. I think if everything goes as planned, this project can really help to decongest MM. especially in EDSA where provincial buses heading to the provinces in the north can instead shuttle passengers from the end station and through to that highway...

yeah... this will definitely be a great project.. and once this is finished, we from the North Caloocan area will have less travel time to go to Manila and Makati...

now.. I'm thinking.. will MRT4 still have a chance to be done... hmmm... but at least MRT7 will be very beneficial for us people from FARview.. hehehe... :D

So this can be another reason for Ayala Land to continue with its North Triangle Mall project now that it will be intersected by two rail transport systems.

Yeah even with the rate increases in fares for the MRT/LRT it would still be cheaper compared to its counterparts is Bangkok, KL, HK, Tokyo.....

Jon

Well, for the case of BKK Skytrain + Bangkok Subway, the reates will be as follows:

1) BTS Skytrain
1.1) Single ride -> 10 - 40 Baht according to Distance
1.2) 1-day pass -> 100 Baht
1.3) 30-day pass -> 250 baht for 10 Trips, 300 Baht for 15 trips,
and 540 Baht for 30 trips [All Adult rates]
-> 160 Baht for 10 trips, 210 Baht for 15 trips
360 Baht for 30 trip and 400 Baht for 40 trips
(student rates)
2) MRTA Subway
2.1) Single ride (token) -> 14 - 36 baht (12-31Baht until July 3, 2005)
2.2) Smart card with Discount -> Until March 8, 2005
10 Baht for the first 3 stations and 15 Baht for the rest (Adult)
7 Baht for the first 3 stations and 11 Baht for the rest (Students)
5 Baht for the first 3 stations and 8 Baht for the rest (Children
under 12 and Senior citizen over 65)
2.3) 1-day Subway pass -> 120 Baht
2.4) 3-day Subway pass -> 300 Baht

Hope that they will come up with the joint smart card tickets sooner or later.

wow, our fares really are cheap.

btw, any news on mrt-4 and line 1 south extension? What about northrail and southrail?

isn't there a thread for northrail? I haven't kept up with phils news in the past weeks so :D If i'm not mistaken Line 1 and 3 extensions are supposed to start early this year.

So this can be another reason for Ayala Land to continue with its North Triangle Mall project now that it will be intersected by two rail transport systems.


yeah... North Triangle or that corner of North Ave and EDSA now looks good... MMDA has just transformed that corner into a major Bus Hub... they've arranged barricades to prevent pedestrians on walking along EDSA.. they set up designated stops for each buses and a footbridge.. North Triangle Mall should be built soon...:D

grabe.. am shocked at the BKK Subway collision.. good thing no one died... 5 mos old pa lang.......train wreck...

yeah... I read about that too. thank God nothing of that sort has occured in the however-long history of Manila's mass rail systems - even with the poor conditions of the MRT-3.

thank god it does'nt happen to our MRT and LRT but what about in our antique PNR it happens every year. I hope the modernization of the PNR will be finish early. i can't wait to ride that train once the slums in its rail has been relocated. It will be my first time...heeeewwwww..

"Paalala sa mga pasahero... Safety
Reminders lang po... Ugaliin po nating
humawak sa mga saftey handrails, at
iwasang sandalan ang magkabilang
pintuan ng tren. Huwag po nating
gagalawin ang anumang emergency
devices na matatagpuan sa ibabaw ng
mga pintuan ng tren. Mahigpit pong
ipinagbabawal ang pagkain, pag-inom,
at paninigarilyo sa loob ng tren,
istasyon
at mga terminal. Paki double-check
lang po ang ating mga gamit, lalung lalo
na po ang mga bag, cellphone, at
wallet, at paki-ingatan po natin ang
magnetic card na gagamitin natin sa
paglabas ng istaston. Maraming
salamat sa inyong pag-tangkilik sa
LRT,
at magandang umaga po sa inyong
lahat..."

aha!.. kabisado mo na ang anunsyo sa MRT ha..... eh yung...

"For your safety, please do not step on the yellow platform edge" at
"Sorry for the inconvenience, for security reasons, we are inspecting your belongings upon entering the station" :D

"Paalala sa mga pasahero... Safety Reminders lang po...

Ugaliin po nating humawak sa mga saftey handrails, at iwasang sandalan ang magkabilang pintuan ng tren.

Huwag po nating gagalawin ang anumang emergency devices na matatagpuan sa ibabaw ng mga pintuan ng tren.

Mahigpit pong ipinagbabawal ang pagkain, pag-inom, at paninigarilyo sa loob ng tren, istasyon at mga terminal.

Paki double-check lang po ang ating mga gamit, lalung lalo na po ang mga bag, cellphone, at wallet, at paki-ingatan po natin ang magnetic card na gagamitin natin sa paglabas ng istaston.

Maraming salamat sa inyong pag-tangkilik sa LRT, at magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat..."

Hmm....just a little curious....do they say this in English too? :)

In MRT they say it in english but in LRT it depends on the mood of the driver of the train it he wants to say it in english or tagalog :)

They should have the announcements automated in both languages. :)

In MRT they say it in english but in LRT it depends on the mood of the driver of the train it he wants to say it in english or tagalog :)

aah so its the driver through intercom that says it? or is that only in LRT1 and MRT3? I heard the LRT2 had recorded voices saying it in tagalog and english?

I only used LRT 2 once and i don't know if they do that maybe some of our forumers who uses that train can enlighten us.

do they (drivers) also make announcements when approaching stops/stations? the last time i rode in an LRT train was like 20 years ago :lol:

@tyronne..yes they do.....and what the funny thing is some driver have a very good sense of humor..sometimes they play like a Disc Jockey...and they play music...

@tyronne..yes they do.....and what the funny thing is some driver have a very good sense of humor..sometimes they play like a Disc Jockey...and they play music...

that's so cool! that's what i miss in the philippines because you hear music everywhere--from jeepneys, stores, buses, name it. the noise of the streets mixed with music from fm radio broadcasts pumps me up especially on my way to school/work. here, it isn't like that.

I only used LRT 2 once and i don't know if they do that maybe some of our forumers who uses that train can enlighten us.

how about Lines 1 and 3 then?

@renell. In Line 1 and 3, yes they do but in Line 1 sometimes they speak in tagalog. In Line 3 they say it in english..Thank You for riding MetroStar Express...blah blah blah.. i forgot the exact words...

driving a car in Manila is neither a luxury nor a necessity so all LRT and MRT should extend their operating hours from 5.30am-945pm it should be 4.30am-12midnight. There are lots of Business Process Outsourcing Company and Call Center here in Manila and all of them have shifting hours to accomodate their clients in all time zones of the world. Their employees must have a safe transportation once they go home in the middle of the night or when they go to office at very very early in the morning when it is still dark. Sunrise here is 6.00am and Sunset is 5.45pm. If you know any Congressman or Senator you may forward this message to them.

in LRT2.. they have an automated announcement of them... just like what Singapore MRT has.... a lady voice..

i agree with nbcmandy.. the operating hours of the lines should be extended.. imagine riding an MRT/LRT home after watching a late movie at glorietta/shangrila/megamall..

maybe we could start a petition or something.. hahaha

i joined the forum in www.gov.ph and posted this kind of petition to madam president.....he he he...feeling close...i hope somebody in that website will forward my request to the proper person who can help us.

wow, our fares really are cheap.

btw, any news on mrt-4 and line 1 south extension? What about northrail and southrail?


When the authorities behind the LRT/MRT decided to raise the rates, I read an article on a newspaper afew months back saying they did a comparative study of the rates of the other systems in SEA. Well, I am not complaining I'd rather ride the LRT/MRT versus a car being loaned to me by relatives when roaming around Metro Manila.

Pearl of the Orient Seas - The Philippines (http://community.webshots.com/user/jbkayaker12)

Jon

i joined the forum in www.gov.ph and posted this kind of petition to madam president.....he he he...feeling close...i hope somebody in that website will forward my request to the proper person who can help us.

I post there once in a while... and I'm not sure if there are someone the government who really does read them...

but back then I had posted some suggestion to GMA regardng a good transportation system could help the country.. not sure if she actually read that.....

The bridge for the walkway connecting LRT and LRT II is already there. I guess they're just placing the finishing touches for it.

It goes through Oroquieta and D. Jose streets and not along Recto and Rizal ave.

Do you pay separately for Lines 1 and 3 or is there a system where a certain number of pesos means a day trip?

you could :

a) purchase a week-pass ticket good for all lines (like Hong Kong's Ocotpus card) or
b) buy prepaid cards good only for each individual line where the card is for
c) buy single ride tickets for individual lines where the card is good for

The return-of-investment potential and residual benefits of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 4 project have been cited by its proponent, a Filipino-French consortium, in a letter-petition urging President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to finally approve the long-pending railway project.


Teresita Fernandez-Laumond of Javlon Philippines International, representative of the consortium, has also urged President Arroyo to resolve the alignment issue between MRT 4, whose project proposal had been submitted 10 years ago, and the more recent MRT 7, saying that, if allowed, the operation of the two lines will not be economically viable and would be disadvantageous to the government.

Based on engineering and financial studies, including assessments made by the Metro Manila Urban Transport Integration Study (MMUTIS) for the government’s Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), MRT 4 ensures an estimated net annual earnings of R3 billion for the government, posting the highest economic internal rate of return (EIRR) of 29.7 percent.

Under MRT 4, commuters traveling between Manila and Quezon City will enjoy fast and convenient ride while paying a low fare once the Lerma-Batasan Metro Rail Transit line becomes operational.

Laumond said MRT 4 will ease traffic along España St., Quezon Blvd. and Commonwealth Ave., a highly populated area. She added that it would take only about 40 months to complete the construction of the line without much disruption to traffic and commerce because of the adoption of a new technology for the infrastructure.

The letter pointed out that the approval of the MRT 4 project proposal has been pending for the past 10 years now even though it has complied with all the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law requirements and the conditions set by government.

"We have been religiously complying with all the requirements and conditionalities set by BOT Law and concerned government agencies yet up now our proposal has not been acted upon. The unusual delay reflects badly on foreign investors such as our French partners," Ms. Laumond said in an earlier inteview.

The consortium wrote the President after noting that MRTG 7 is being endorsed for "first pass" approval despite the failure by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) to resolve the alignment issue between the two projects.

The bone of contention between the MRT 4 and MRT 7 proposals is the portion between Batasan and EDSA-Quezon Avenue where the two lines will be parallel to each other.

source: www.mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2005/01/24/MTNN2005012427056_print.html)

The project of Pres. Arroyo which she called "Strong Republic Transport System" where she connects all existing MRT/LRT lines are using one magnetic card only, you can buy this card at any stations of Line 1 and Line 3 but i dont know if it is available in Line 2 vending machine but the magnetic card can be use in Line1, Line2 and Line3.

well. why can't they just merge MRT4 and MRT7 into one line... make MRT4 connect to MRT7 via the North Triangle.... and use one train line only

hm... that's a good idea yeah.

but don't they have different contractors so it would be impossible to merge them?

they can re-bid for the sole project can't they?

ay politics.....

yeah...its all politics and legal stuff. I have no interest in it, all i want is the lines to be built:D

look at these...

http://tokyo.poke1.jp/jan05/lrt2-1.jpg

yikes...! ^ oops. err... you guys can just click on the link below if you wanna see the pics.

the last few are nothing special, but the first few shots I haven't seen before. the Recto Station is MASSIVE! it looks really modern... Japanese-like modern. haha! I dunno, it just looks like it would be something that'd be in Japan for some reason. I found them on a online journal thing of a Japanese guy (http://tokyo.poke1.jp/open.cgi?jan05&050106221414) when I Googled for megatren. haha! I think he's an exchange/visiting student or something. or maybe he just lives in Manila. I dunno... hehe

there are also some other pictures of other parts of Manila and some Cebu shots. there not the best in quality though and are quite small, but.. yeah.

Recto Station looks like it's just about to be fully completed. the project progress on LRTA's website has been updated (Dec. 31, 2004) if you guys wanna go check it out...

during my first visit of Megatren i did not took any photos because there is a sign in Katipunan Station (Underground) that taking photos inside the station is prohibited so I was scared to take a shot even my camera phone is no use. The only thing i dont like about this Megatren LRT Line 2 is the facility dont have any comfort rooms just like LRT Line 1 unlike in MRT Line 3 all stations have comfort rooms. The design of the stations in Line two is very modern, very big, you will feel like you are inside a modern airport terminal and not train terminal, but again the stations dont have any comfort rooms.

Those are nice shots. Lack of toilets aside, it really is a big leap from the mediocrity of MRT3 and the ageing LRT1. It will definately be a benchmark for future lines, and should Lines 1 and 3 be updated they know where to look for inspirations:D

yeahh... good shots...

well I guess it's ok for this line not to have a comfort room... since water is scarce in the metro... if there is a CR there.. it may end up like MRT3's CRs that smells a lot and has no water... plus the maintenance of this...

at least this line looks very nice... and I said before.. this line is very much like Singapore MRT.. :D

All discussion about MM's Metro rail network to be continued here. How about a full listing of all the line's status to get us started...

LRT 1 - Completed and operational since 1985
MRT 2 - Completed and operational since 2004
MRT 3 - Completed and operational since 1999
MRT 4 - Proposed, still at design stages
MRT 5 - Proposed
MRT 6 - Proposed extention of LRT 1
MRT 7 - Proposed, construction said to start next year
MRT 8 - Proposed
Subway line - Proposed, design and route still unknown.

To go to the original MRT/LRT thread click here: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=96027

Metro Manila's present and future MRT/LRT Lines
http://www.geocities.com/metro_manila_philippines/manila_lrt.jpg

nice pics. @ ncbmandy - yeah, we all know that taking photos are prohibited, but we still do it anyway...in a stealthy matter:D And the map you posted has been posted many times before, but its ok:)

Look at that extension of Line 3, looks like it darts around Bay City and into NAIA.

Well, thats an old map with the proposed lines. I think they changed most of the planning shown there.

.... I dunno, probably just put in the back-burner for the meanwhile

While we're at discussing plans let me re-post some of the old maps
http://www.geocities.com/aaron_charles_ofngol/line_sth_ext_map.txt
http://www.lrta.gov.ph/images/srts%20map.jpg

^ the map of LRT 1 extention posted above should be more accurate than the one posted earlier, since it was released more recently (about a year ago).

The demolished Odeon Theater at the corner of Recto and Rizal ave. will be a three level mall named Odeon Terminal Mall. I guess it will be connected to both LRT 1 and 2 like the Metropoint Mall.

But it isn't the only direct connection from Lines 1 to 2 right? Wasn't there a walkway u/c?

Yeah, if Odeon Mall will indeed be connected to both lines, then there will be a double connection just like the LRT and MRT which is connected by a walkway and the Metropoint Mall.

Another question, who.. requests or offers these mall connections to be built the mall officials or the LRTA officials? Is it the mall that goes to the LRT and says "hey you can connect the two lines through me" or does the LRT go "hey we need to connect lines 1 and 2 can we use the mall" eg Cubao link and Recto link.:D

^lol....good question:D I wanna know too.

You pay a monthly rental to lrta for a mall connection. Fee depends on volume of passengers. The developer then spends for everything to construct the actual conections.

Goodness, you know a lot bustero. Thanks for the info.

Alright. The Lines 1 and 2 link, lines both run by LRTA, are linked by a walkway, I guess that's built by lrta? does the fee go all to lrta for the cubao link when its Lines 2 and 3 that are connected? does the DOTC get some too?:?

oh yeah and what's the connection in Lines 1 and 3? Walkway or mall?

I guess that Lines 1 and 2 share a pro-rated cost for the walkway...maybe 50/50

i dont wanna interrupt your discussion but, do you have pictures of the latest LRTs?? the last time i saw one was a long time ago-like 2000. the trains looked quite old. are they planning to replace them with newer trains, especially now that there is a proposal of connecting the LRT to NAIA. MM dont have subway trains yet to the cities but good light rail systems can earn a very good reputation(for the philippines). it should also reduce heavy road traffic.

Are you referring to LRT1? I believe they still look the same, now with air-conditioning carriages though. LRT2 is pretty new, but not really "light rail" and its very advanced

Fopr the case of LRT 1, I just wonder if LRTAS could find the way to reinforce the tracks and pillars to allow Megratren rollign stock (repained into yellow) to run on the track to serve Manila International Airprot as well as oter places along LRT1?

meh actually megatren rolling stock i believe was made for cold climates. actually maybe they could do it the other way around;)

oh yeah and what's the connection in Lines 1 and 3? Walkway or mall?

line 1 and 3? is that LRT-1 and MRT-3? if it is then the only connection right now is at the edsa station.. there's a walkway that connects the two which is also beside a mall.. i forgot the name of the mall.. its not that big though..

yeah. i knew it was beside a mall (it always is:D) but i couldnt remember if it was around the mall or through the mall.

the mall is Isetann Recto... the walkay passes beside the demolished Odeon Cinema...

well its more of around the mall..

We need more pictures!!!

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid156/pa113de5dcd557de874c6e2921e813a10/f53e6536.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid156/paa9fd71e2e1a40cdc02347006e23df3d/f53e64fb.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid156/p8fe0a135041dcb3f94cfbee69539ad87/f53e64fa.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid156/p2ceb8421bf91fe5ecba55d563aaba048/f53e64f8.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid156/pc79dfdc30233f0325038587b3ba88109/f53e64f7.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid156/p51938b90f1187c3760f6263596fc2e28/f53e64f5.jpg

^thanks for the pix. im assuming those stations are for the purple line (lrt2), right? they look good.

Nice pix

those were nice pix... they came from the old LRT site right?.... this is what I liked with Megatren... all stations are similar to each other... they have all same designs unlike MRT3 has...

oh man MRT3 stations are an eyesore... so much than LRT1, which at least is overhead and you don't get to see a wall of cracking concrete beside you during traffic. Line 2's is a bit like Line 1 stations in purple steroids:D

I've been to Imelda Marcos loyalist sites and they say that it was Imelda's idea to build the LRT 1 and that she personally designed the sations and was involved in every aspect of the construction of the LRT.

Is this true? I don't think its all true since it is a loyalist site featuring all the accomplishments of the first lady.


http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/pcf775b8a9f23d17a222565d57870edee/f539ae0c.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/p4f24a4578d2ab1a3dd40f3a32045bc1c/f539ae0e.jpg

well I know it was built, or planned during the Marcos era. As was CCP Complex. Now whether it was by Imelda or for Imelda...:D

Im guessing she had a say in this. Women are usually the creative ones arent they?

line 1 and 3? is that LRT-1 and MRT-3? if it is then the only connection right now is at the edsa station.. there's a walkway that connects the two which is also beside a mall.. i forgot the name of the mall.. its not that big though..

It is called EDSA-TAFT Metropoint Mall.

Today LRT-1 has two types of coaches. The LRT-1 has a new train coaches it is 4 coaches and air-conditioned and little bit bigger in space compared to the old LRT-1 coaches. The old LRT-1 coaches was upgraded and they made a forced air-conditioning because it was not air-conditioned before and they added the coaches to 3. Today in LRT-1 there is the new air-conditioned 4 coaches, Forced air-conditioned 3 coaches, Forced air-conditioned 2 coaches. Sunod-sunod ang dating nila. Pagkatapos dumaan ng 4 coaches, expect mo na ang susunod ay three coaches, and then yong 2 coaches naman.

For some reason, the forced airconditioned upgraded old coaches have stronger aircon than the newer coaches

about imelda, its fairly true. She had a bit of an edifice complex. If glass skyscrapers were populare then, the manila bay area would have been littered with them. Imelda may have had her faults, but when it comes to building things, you've gotta admire her :)

incidentally, who do you think is on my avatar? :D

I prefer the names of all train lines by its color scheme, Blue Line, Purple Line, Yellow Line, Green Line and Orange Line it's better than LRT1, MRT2, MRT3, PNR North Rail and PNR South Rail.

Jon

about imelda, its fairly true. She had a bit of an edifice complex. If glass skyscrapers were populare then, the manila bay area would have been littered with them. Imelda may have had her faults, but when it comes to building things, you've gotta admire her :)

incidentally, who do you think is on my avatar? :D


dont tell me its mrs. marcos??... oh, its kinda funny but i thought twas hariett demetriou at first, hehe...:colgate: :D

:colgate:

i agree, naming the lines with lrt1, mrt, megatren, etc. confuses my 4 year old niece. sometimes she refers to line 2 as mrt and lrt to line 3.

^ Question....wouldn't be called MRT1 instead of MRT3? because I when I visited I thought there were 5 lines in Manila.

yes.. it was Imelda (or at least she's one of them) was who spearheaded in envisioning the LRT systems in the whole Metro Manila... it was just during the Ramos period when her project was relived again due heavy traffic so we have MRT3...

this was one of her projects being the Governor of Manila back then... she envisioned all the other LRT lines.. but of course they were now modified by the current people who handled the projects....

Imelda may have had her faults, but when it comes to building things, you've gotta admire her

yes indeed... her visions for Manila was great and very ambitious.. she envisions of a a powerful Manila reigning ahead of our neighbors so she built a lot of edifices in Manila... but sadly their names were tarnished by corruption and abuse...

dont tell me its mrs. marcos??... oh, its kinda funny but i thought twas hariett demetriou at first, hehe...:colgate: :D

yep, that's imelda :D or at least, a third of her face when she was younger

sabi ko na nga ba eh, si Imelda yung nasa avatar mo. :colgate:

She did some great things too. Speaking of Imelda, did anyone here see the talked-about documentary "Imelda"

yup.. I did saw it... I got intrigued by it... it was depicted fairly and shown the rise and fall of this woman... somehow I think we need people with the same vision as her...

Just the vision part-- but none of the tyranny, the egocentricity and the despotism. Something like the Marcoses should never repeat again.

Their names were not trashed by corruption. They were corruption personified. They trashed their names and the lives of millions of Filipinos themselves.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/pb60c53abf0ce865bcd92fda66783707e/f531da00.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/pa4e262b66a8d323453f25ea22fefe3c2/f531da02.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/pad883be4ceca9ea6b2bc5049c24ee590/f531da04.jpg

^nice pix! what's that massive building on the last photo?

:ty:

I prefer the names of all train lines by its color scheme, Blue Line, Purple Line, Yellow Line, Green Line and Orange Line it's better than LRT1, MRT2, MRT3, PNR North Rail and PNR South Rail.

Agreed! These LRT/MRT monikers just adds further confusion, especially to me since when I was last in the Philippines it was only the "original" LRT that was in existence. :)

I kind of like it just: Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, Line 4... No more LRT/MRT prefixes.

Can you imagine what it would be like if people started saying "Sakay ako sa ferfel line?"

I kind of like the New York system of letters and numbers. "Sakay ako sa One. Tapos lilipat ako sa Three."

Or they could use Tagalog names for the colors! :lol: What's "purple" in Tagalog anyway?

I kind of like it just: Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, Line 4... No more LRT/MRT prefixes.

Can you imagine what it would be like if people started saying "Sakay ako sa ferfel line?"

I kind of like the New York system of letters and numbers. "Sakay ako sa One. Tapos lilipat ako sa Three."


I like it with the color names. MRT3 was the first of the MRT line that went in operation followed by MRT2. What happenned to MRT1. Now they are talking about MRT7 where are the numbers 4 5 and 6.

LRT1 is the very first overhead line in Metro Manila, will we have LRT 20 next in line hehehehe?

Purple Line, Blue Line, Yellow Line, Green Line and Orange Line. :)
Id rather have the color scheme as its name.

Pearl of the Orient Seas - The Philippines (http://community.webshots.com/user/jbkayaker12)

Jon

Or they could use Tagalog names for the colors! :lol: What's "purple" in Tagalog anyway?

hmmm.. there is no translation for purple in Filipino... but since purple is very much like violet and violet in Filipino is lila then that would be the most proper translation...

well yeah.. I like the color naming instead of numbers.. numbers get a bit confusing at times... plus words are easier to remember than numbers.. :D

I'm not sure, but I think the numbering follows the number designated for the route each line takes, not the order in which they were planned or constructed. Edsa is C-3 that's why it's MRT3, Taft-Rizal Ave is C-1, so LRT1, while Recto-Aurora is R-2 so LRT2

I'm not sure, but I think the numbering follows the number designated for the route each line takes, not the order in which they were planned or constructed. Edsa is C-3 that's why it's MRT3, Taft-Rizal Ave is C-1, so LRT1, while Recto-Aurora is R-2 so LRT2

I've lived in Metro Manila for a while but I've never heard of Taft Avenue-Rizal Avenue as C1 same thing with the rest of the streets and what do you supposed those letters mean? :)

Jon

C = Circumferential
R = Radial

An explanation can be found in the Philippine Highways Thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=2701004&postcount=50)

You guys might find this interesting. It looks like the Canadian city of Winnipeg is trying to gather ideas on building a rapid transit system and look where they went to get them.... ;)

Mon, February 7, 2005

Manila transit inspires Katz

By ROSS ROMANIUK, CITY HALL REPORTER

Mayor Sam Katz's search for the best transit system for Winnipeg has reached Southeast Asia. When Katz returns from Manila in the Philippines this week, he hopes to bring back more ideas and options for his rapid transit task force to consider.

"We took a tour and ride on their metro transit system. It's rail fuelled by electricity. And we had a meeting with the department," Katz told The Sun from Manila, where he led a 12-member trade delegation.

oww.. cool.... its nice to know that there are some who want to make Manila a guide even though there are more advanced cities in this region...

cool...most of the time, we get ideas from other cities. Nice to see that another city is getting some ideas from MM.

Ok, from now on i'll call the lines by number and color..not anymore "MRT3, etc"

What's happened to Line 1? it's blue now:D

Sounds like a reasonable answer jude, but isn't EDSA C-4?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metro_Manila

"III. C-3 : Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, South Avenue, Trabajo St., Coronado St., San Francisco St., 9 de Pebrero St., Shaw Boulevard., F. Manalo St., San Juan Bridge, G. Araneta Avenue, Sgt. Rivera St., and 5th Avenue
Location: Makati City, Mandaluyong City, San Juan, Quezon City and Navotas

This particular road network is very useful, especially for those frequenting the Port Area This network provides a quick way to get from Makati to Mandaluyong to San Juan. Going further straight ahead in Araneta Avenue leads one to Sgt. Rivera and to the Manila North Harbor in Navotas City. The C-3 road network lets one traverse the Southern and North/Northwestern parts of the capital.

The MMDA is currently thinking of other ways to solve the problem, to the point that chairman Bayani Fernando is thinking of ramming down the gates of exclusive villages so that the general public can use their roads. The Supreme Court has already decided on this controversial issue during the term of former chairman Jejomar Binay, so I don’t think the current chairman can do anything except beat his chest. Besides, he might disenfranchise several influential families who live in these exclusive villages and get into trouble with the supporters of his supporter, President GMA."

from mike's thread

Thats true...EDSA is C-4. I think the numbering comes from when they are proposed and designed. Line 2 was proposed before line 3, but line 3 was built first.

I've never heard anyone say I am going to C1 to buy shoes or to C3 to go malling. So it doesnt really make sense to name the LRT/MRT according to the road network where it is plying but somehow it is easier to recall the transit lines by just their color schemes. :)

Jon

That's because C1, C4 R7 is never used in common talk in MM. In Europe it was widely used in freeways. In Belgium it wasn't Brussels-Liege highway, but E40. I believe NLEX is R7. Also it's the difficulty with some people to memorise the numbers. The only "C" road most people would know of is the C5. But anyways I reckon its wrong. Taft isn't circumferential, nor radial.

Then Blue Line, Purple Line, Yellow Line, Green Line and Orange Line it is. Hey, I was not the one responsible for changing the names of the rail lines, I just like it. Bark at someone else. :)

Ok Ive had enough of this game. I'll ride the LRT/MRT regardless of how people want to call it. :)

JON

I've never heard anyone say I am going to C1 to buy shoes or to C3 to go malling. So it doesnt really make sense to name the LRT/MRT according to the road network where it is plying but somehow it is easier to recall the transit lines by just their color schemes. :)

Jon

I suppose that's true if you have few lines. But it's just as easy to use letters or numbers.

I mean if NYC, London or Paris would use colors to distinguish their lines, then they'd need more than a box of Crayola.

I think letters are more intuitive... New Yorkers can attest to that.

But what would be even better and more practical are the following names: the Taft Line, the EDSA line, the Aurora Line, the Quezon Line, etc. denoting the main roads traversed, even if they follow different roads.

Oh and furthermore, I know this is splitting hairs, a color-coded map is unfair towards the colorblind. But then again, a letter-based system is unfair towards the illiterate. And a place-based system is unfair towards those with no sense of direction.

Maybe they should just change the names to "Doon" "Dito" and "Dyan"
Person 1: Saan ka sasakay?
Person 2: O? Ehem... Ah.. Sasakay ako Doon! (pointing to the LRT2)

Maybe that will work because you'll get to see where the person is pointing "dito" "doon" and "dyan" :colgate:

From Kabayan Online
http://www.kabayanonline.com/current/MET/AMET060802.htm

MRT-8 sa 2005

TINIYAK ni Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza ang pagsisimula ng east rail project (ERP) ng Metro Rail Transit (MRT) sa pagsisimula ng 2005.
Ang Phase 1 ng panukalang MRT 8-ERP na tinatayang nagkakahalaga ng $859 milyon ay itatayo gamit ang build-operate-transfer arrangement at may habang 16.856 kilometro sa isang elevated double-track railway mula Sta. Mesa, Maynila hanggang Taytay, Rizal.

Ang Taytay hanggang Angono, Rizal section ng proyekto ay may habang 3.263 kilometro at seserbisyuhan nito ang mga lungsod ng Maynila, Mandaluyong at Pasig at ang mga bayan ng Cainta, Taytay at Angono.

Ayon kay Asst. Sec. Robert R. Castañares, chairman ng bidding and awards committee, ang general alignment ng proyekto ay sasakop sa Shaw Boulevard at Ortigas Avenue.

Kapag nakumpleto, mayroon itong 14 na istasyon.

wow... that's a nice news.. that would ease travel time in that area... but how would it pass thru the Shang FlyOver... I believe MRT8 will ply V.Mapa and Shaw Blvd...

Maybe the answer is... underground. Feasible?

Maybe they should just change the names to "Doon" "Dito" and "Dyan"
Person 1: Saan ka sasakay?
Person 2: O? Ehem... Ah.. Sasakay ako Doon! (pointing to the LRT2)

:lol: not just a normal point, but the signiture pinoy way of pointing (pointing with our lips):D

Great news on Line 8. But they havent even done lines 4, 5, 6 and 7 yet, but they are already going to do line 8 this year? I agree with boybaha, the planners should start to consider underground subway systems. Elevated ones offer a nice view to passengers and are cheaper but they can congest the streets it traverses on.

wow mag kakaroon na ng mrt sa amin.dadaan pa sa tapat ng bahay namin excited na ako :) .May nabasa ako na isang american firm ang isa sa mga gagawa nito.They(American firm) will also develop 1,300 hectares of land of new gov.center,university cluster,medium and high-end residential & socialized housing,light industrial,IT park and other commercial and mixed use component(golf courses,recreational parks) sa Palayan ng Bayan kaso sa Tanay pa.

Maybe the answer is... underground. Feasible?

Or they just put a flyover over a flyover:D ie Line 8 over the flyover. First I thought if it were parallel or perpendicular it would made a difference but I dont think it matters, they would still put it over a flyover if they had a chance I reckon. Look at the Magallanes intersection. I thought the flyover straight from one end of EDSA to another was soaring, then came MRT3's version. :D

I wouldn't like to get into an argument about colour and numbers so I'll let people do their own thing. :lol:

I wouldn't like to get into an argument about colour and numbers so I'll let people do their own thing. :lol:

Aww....but it's so much fun! For me at least! :lol:

And if they ever run out of color names they can use Fuschia, Teal, Azure, Magenta, Pumpkin, Burgundy, Maroon, Periwinkle, Olive, Lime, Turquoise, etc. :colgate:

Heather, evergreen, oatmeal, twig, pacific, jade, parsley, bright lime, daffodil, peppermint, punch, aqua, lawn, claret, ocean, sky, kelly, clover, mandarin, pomegranate, atlantis, canary, creek, clover, mango, grass, glacier, sherbet, pearl, sorbet, navy, flamingo, peony, punch, keylime, harbor

It's the MRT/LRT not the J Crew catalog!

ohh... I wouldn't think putting the MRT8 on the Shaw FlyOVer is advisable... remember that that fly-over is very tall..... made like that so that MRT3 could pass thru underneath it.....

From Kabayan Online
http://www.kabayanonline.com/current/MET/AMET060802.htm

MRT-8 sa 2005

TINIYAK ni Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza ang pagsisimula ng east rail project (ERP) ng Metro Rail Transit (MRT) sa pagsisimula ng 2005.
Ang Phase 1 ng panukalang MRT 8-ERP na tinatayang nagkakahalaga ng $859 milyon ay itatayo gamit ang build-operate-transfer arrangement at may habang 16.856 kilometro sa isang elevated double-track railway mula Sta. Mesa, Maynila hanggang Taytay, Rizal.

Ang Taytay hanggang Angono, Rizal section ng proyekto ay may habang 3.263 kilometro at seserbisyuhan nito ang mga lungsod ng Maynila, Mandaluyong at Pasig at ang mga bayan ng Cainta, Taytay at Angono.

Ayon kay Asst. Sec. Robert R. Castañares, chairman ng bidding and awards committee, ang general alignment ng proyekto ay sasakop sa Shaw Boulevard at Ortigas Avenue.

Kapag nakumpleto, mayroon itong 14 na istasyon.

pero wala pang specific date? baka nman na-approve na pero nde ma sisimulan until who knows when..

http://www.botcenter.gov.ph/projects/PROJECTS4INVESTMENT9.htm

D T I - B O T C e n t e r
The Public-Private Partnership Program

Projects for Investment (as of 30 September, 2004)

unsolicited mode, for 1st pass approval:

Project Name:
MRT 8 - East Rail Line Project (Phase 1)

Agency:
DOTC

Description:
Phase 1 of the project will run for 16.86 kms elevated double-track from Sta. Mesa Manila to Taytay, Rizal while the Taytay to Angono, Rizal section will be at grade for 3.26 kms.

Private Sector Scheme:
n/a

Cost (In US$ million):
859.00

Status:
DOTC is still completing the requirements set by NEDA. (1. properly accomplish ICC PE Forms 1-8 2. Clarify track access fee derivation 3. Clarify the impact of MRT 2 traffic to the project; and 3. Provide documentation on the concurrence of concerned parties/LGU for the project configuration.)

i was "lucky" enough one time to be standing at CUBAO MRT southbound area and was able to have seen 4 trains at once.
two MEGATRENS crossing EDSA at two MRT trains almost crossing aurora.
a "priceless" picture it could have been if captured on photo

Aww....but it's so much fun! For me at least! :lol:

And if they ever run out of color names they can use Fuschia, Teal, Azure, Magenta, Pumpkin, Burgundy, Maroon, Periwinkle, Olive, Lime, Turquoise, etc. :colgate:

yeah the turqoise line. It'd be funny for some pinoys to mention colours they probably don't even know of :D

ohh... I wouldn't think putting the MRT8 on the Shaw FlyOVer is advisable... remember that that fly-over is very tall..... made like that so that MRT3 could pass thru underneath it.....

Maybe underground then.

mkhang matagal pa nga thomasian.. 1st pass pa lang e..

pero hopefully it gets approved quickly.. and construction could start by this year.. :D

hmm... if its underground... it will be very deep... since it will have to pass under the EDSA underpass... heheheeh.... but I'd prefer it to be underground... :D

hmm... if its underground... it will be very deep... since it will have to pass under the EDSA underpass... heheheeh.... but I'd prefer it to be underground... :D

lol:D hmm.. I remember seeing that Shaw flyover. Yeah it is quite tall... but they've done that to the MRT3 in Magallanes haven't they?

So, what does it mean if it's for 1st pass approval?

most probably means nothing in the streets is gonna happen yet :colgate: But usually the government tries to find what they see as the "best" value, re-bidding, swiss challenge etc. The article didn't mention an contractors yet. Is there one already?

i think it means na marami pa dadaanan bago mgstart talaga.. in the DTI link it says that the MRT-4 would be first to be built.. but dont worry at least we can see some movement.. its just that government projects like this usually take a little bit more time before it gets off the ground so to speak..

I think it needs a 3rd pass approval for the project to pursue.... just like laws that needs three passes (Congress, Senate, President) to become a law...

well..Shaw fly-over is way more steeper and taller than Magallanes... it is as steep as that flyover in Sta. Mesa (corner of Legarda, Magsaysay and Lacson Blvds)

The Magallanes interchange is not tall at all (only the skyway is tall)...shaw is much taller. Oh yeah, if they make it underground, it would have to be really deep because of the underpass. I'm sure they will figure something out. Hope they start soon with no further delays.

Don't want to rain on anyone's parade if my memory serves me correctly the first pas of 4 and 7 was during Eraps time, so don't hold your breath for this one too. Since they haven't passed through NEDA it will take them quite a bit of time as ussually there's a whole passel of issues to be reconciled between BOT proponent and NEDA since it's unsolicited.

to add to the frustrating wait...

and the LRT Line-1 and MRT-3 extensions already passed through all thouse "passes" and even the swiss challenge, but still no signs of even the start of construction so far...

buti pa yung coastal road extension may nakikita nang construction activities...

btw, everybody brace themselves for another round of traffic jams along the south expressway (Bicutan-Sucat) later in the year... the skyway's bidding will be done very soon according to www.dpwh.gov.ph

also, I still have this nagging question on why there isn't an LRT/MRT planned on the southern part of the metro, particularly along the south expressway (PNR doesn't count...)

to add to the frustrating wait...

and the LRT Line-1 and MRT-3 extensions already passed through all thouse "passes" and even the swiss challenge, but still no signs of even the start of construction so far...

buti pa yung coastal road extension may nakikita nang construction activities...

btw, everybody brace themselves for another round of traffic jams along the south expressway (Bicutan-Sucat) later in the year... the skyway's bidding will be done very soon according to www.dpwh.gov.ph

also, I still have this nagging question on why there isn't an LRT/MRT planned on the southern part of the metro, particularly along the south expressway (PNR doesn't count...)

The PNR along metro manila will be converted into light rail. Wile the North and South Rail will be heavy rails. LRT and Heavy Rail will share the same track thats why they are not constructing LRT along south superhighway because they are going to modernize the PNR.

I thought that they were going to keep Southrail heavy rail but that they were going to improve service along the PNR so that it may be a viable form of commuter rail.

yeah.. I thought the PNR rail will remain as a heavy rail... connecting the North and South rails.....and not as LRTs... that would allow continuous flow of trains from the north to south...

they wont convert PNR into light rail. All they will do is to convert it into an elevated heavy rail system in MM.

and to answer the earlier question of why there isnt a MRT line going to the south, there is...Line 1 extention will go all the way south to Cavite passing Paranaque, Las Pinas and Muntinlupa.

^ I never heard that idea yet. I thought like ncbmandy it would be turned into light rail... :? But nothing has been decided has there so I guess we're free to speculate.

Dont bring any pirated vcd, copy cd, data cd when you plan to ride the LRT
or MRT. they are confiscating cd's unlabled and unliscensed cds. They dont
care if it is a data disk for your work or files for school.. pls pass this
info to avoid the situation and if ever they tried to confiscate your data
cd for work/school purposes, just prepare an explanation for the importance
of your data cd.

they dont even know how to identify a pirated cd/vcd or personal data cd
files. if you have CD or DVD files, it's best not to ride the MRT/LRT
VRB has a operation in confiscating pirated media effective today. pls pass
this message to warn all of our E-media data users. thanks

Dont bring any pirated vcd, copy cd, data cd when you plan to ride the LRT
or MRT. they are confiscating cd's unlabled and unliscensed cds. They dont
care if it is a data disk for your work or files for school.. pls pass this
info to avoid the situation and if ever they tried to confiscate your data
cd for work/school purposes, just prepare an explanation for the importance
of your data cd.

they dont even know how to identify a pirated cd/vcd or personal data cd
files. if you have CD or DVD files, it's best not to ride the MRT/LRT
VRB has a operation in confiscating pirated media effective today. pls pass
this message to warn all of our E-media data users. thanks

is this true? ive received this message for a couple of days already and yet there was no confiscation to be seen.. maybe this is just an attempt to discourage riders to patronize the MRT/LRT..

Dont bring any pirated vcd, copy cd, data cd when you plan to ride the LRT
or MRT. they are confiscating cd's unlabled and unliscensed cds. They dont
care if it is a data disk for your work or files for school.. pls pass this
info to avoid the situation and if ever they tried to confiscate your data
cd for work/school purposes, just prepare an explanation for the importance
of your data cd.

they dont even know how to identify a pirated cd/vcd or personal data cd
files. if you have CD or DVD files, it's best not to ride the MRT/LRT
VRB has a operation in confiscating pirated media effective today. pls pass
this message to warn all of our E-media data users. thanks

I'm suddenly tempted to ride the MRT just to make a scene :D

I don't think this is true... everyday I use the MRT and I have pirated CDs in my backpack for my friend and I haven't given yet... the inspection is lax so if there is CDs in your bag... that is wrapped of something... it can pass thru...

actually I would love it if they remove the guards inspecting the bags.. they're just causing crowding on platforms.. and they don't exactly inspect bags thoroughly.. I can bring a homemade bomb on the train and they wouldn't know... actually I have my swiss knife in my bag everyday....

i just received this message on my friendster.

Governor Ynares will signed a memorandum of agreement to the foriegn consortium for the mrt 8.

dont believe everything thats sent thru YM and friendster.. ;) personally, i ride the MRT every day to go to work.. and i dont see any added security or such..

i wasnt able to watch the news. is true pinasabugan daw mrt?

No. its a bus near mrt station at ayala-edsa.

Aw. ok... thanks God. Iv heard mrt kc.

but still may sumabog pa rin. huhuhu. im totally saddened. same with DC & GSC may pinasabogan daw na bus.

for the guy who said nothing was happening to south going lrts

Construction of LRT Cavite extension to start shortly

February 13, 2004



President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s administration efforts to decongest Metro Manila and speed up travel and ease the traffic congestion would soon be realized as Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza has signed the Amended and Restated Settlement Agreement (ARSA) with a Canadian firm to pave the way for the construction of the South extension of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 or Yellow Line.



“The agreement now paves the way for the conduct of the Swiss Challenge or price challenge, after which construction of the Line 1 south extension project can proceed,” Mendoza said.



Secretary Mendoza, who is also the chairman of the LRTA Board, recently led the signing of the agreement that was witnessed by Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Sutherland. LRTA OIC-Administrator Zosimo C. Mendoza, Jr. represented the LRTA.



Line 1 of the LRT south extension will cover the areas from Baclaran to Bacoor passing the cities of Paranaque and Las Pinas, Mendoza said.



Sec. Mendoza said that the rail system is part of President Arroyo’s project to speed up travel and ease the traffic congestion in Metro Manila and neighboring areas. The undertaking is a flagship project of the Office of the President and priority project of the DOTC.



“President Arroyo wants to see the project started as soon as possible to benefit the residents of Cavite and surrounding areas,” Mendoza added.



Residents of Cavite have welcomed the project as it will eradicated the congestion in the Bacoor bottleneck. This could compliment the Coastal Road project to run from Bacoor to Kawit and Noveleta, which was inaugurated by President Arroyo last week.



Upon completion of the project, Cavite commuters can then interlink with the existing LRT 1 and MRT 3, allowing more convenient and faster travel.



END

For more clarification on South Rail, description and status:

PROJECT PROFILE

Title : South Manila Commuter Rail Project, Phase 1
Objective : The project aims to modernize the PNR commuter train services from Caloocan to Alabang and develop a fast, safe, comfortable and reliable commuter rail services in the South Manila area.
Description : The project will involve the repair and improvement of 34.05 Km track length, 18 stations, the reconstruction of 2 bridges, and procurement of 21 cars or 7, 3-car train sets. The project will further strengthen the track and bridges, improvement of existing station buildings and construction of new ones, installation of signalling and communication systems, right-of-way fencing, and supply of diesel cars.
Implementing Agency : PNR
Funding Source : South Korea - EDCF
Sector/Subsector : INFRA/Transportation
Region/Location : 04 - Region IV - B
Sub-Regions :
Grant/Loan Amount : 50.42
GOP Counterpart : 14.263
Total in Million US$ : 64.683
Project Status : COMMITTED
Pipeline Level : COMMITTED
Remarks : THE LOAN AGREEMENT FOR THE PROJECT WAS SIGNED BY EDCF, DOF AND PNR ON 7 MAY 2004. SAID AGREEMENT HAS A VALIDITY PERIOD OF 120 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SIGNING, OR 7 SEPTEMBER 2004. DUE TO THE DELAYS IN: (I) SECURING THE FINAL APPROVAL AND REGISTRATION OF THE LOAN BY THE BSP; AND (II) ISSUANCE OF THE LEGAL OPINION IN VIEW OF THE AMENDED RESOLUTION BY THE PNR BOARD INDICATING THAT THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD SHOULD BE THE ONE TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT, PNR REQUESTED EDCF TO EXTEND THE VALIDITY PERIOD FOR ANOTHER 120 DAYS. EDCF GRANTED THE EXTENSION OF THE VALIDITY PERIOD, ALBEIT FOR 60 DAYS ONLY, OR 6 NOVEMBER 2004.

its good that they're (LRT-1 extension) at the swiss challenge stage already (though I don't want to be too negative, but the MRT-3 extension from North to Monumento already underwent the swiss challenge last year, but still no construction so far...

now, if only there will be an LRT line going "our" side of the south (south expressway along the pnr route)... hope that's where southrail is gonna fit-in... but at the rate northrail is going, southrail could take decades... hope they start it already before GMA's term ends

Just in case you wanted to know what happened to the rail in the north.


PROJECT PROFILE

Title : Northrail Project, Phase 1 – Section 1 (Caloocan-Malolos)
Objective : The project aims to provide efficient transport service between Metro Manila and Central and Northern Luzon thus providing a solution to the metro traffic problem and encouraging the urban sprawl outside the Metro Manila area. The project is expected to accelerate development in Central and Northern Luzon by providing easy access to these new economic growth areas and by improving the interconnection of major transportation facilities in the Manila-Clark-Subic economic triangle, namely the airports and seaports of Metro Manila, the airport of Clark and the airport and seaports of Subic.
Description : The project will be covering 32.138 km of rail track, establishing six (6) stations, namely: Caloocan, Valenzuela, Marilao, Bocaue, Guguinto and Malolos. It will involve the reconstruction and conversion of the existing PNR track into double track, land acquisition for the areas where the existing PNR track is too narrow, utilities diversion, procurement of 21 4-car train sets (diesel multiple units type), and provision of train control and signaling system. In cooperation with the Philippine National Railways, project implementation will be spearheaded by the Bases Conversion Development Authority, which designated the North Luzon Railways Corporation to be responsible for implementation.
Implementing Agency : BCDA
Funding Source : China - Mixed Credit Facility
Sector/Subsector : INFRA/Transportation
Region/Location : Interregional
Sub-Regions : NCR, 03
Grant/Loan Amount : 400
GOP Counterpart : 103.15
Total in Million US$ : 503.15
Project Status : COMMITTED
Pipeline Level : COMMITTED
Remarks : LOAN AGREEMENT SIGNED ON 26 FEBRUARY 2004; NOTICE OF LOAN APPROVAL ISSUED BY CHINA EXIM BANK ON 13 SEPTEMBER 2004.

old pic?
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid128/p4e09ffc7c8d2fbcd40b206b207a594f5/f7dfb0ef.jpg

check out the start construction dates

NEDA okay on MRT-7 project sought

By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT

Universal LRT Corp. Ltd., proponent of the MRT-7 Line, expects the National Economic and Development AuthorityInvestment Coordinating Committee (NEDA-ICC) to give its go signal for the $2 billion mass transport project that will connect North EDSA to San Jose, Del Monte, Bulacan.

Eli Levin, managing director and chief executive officer, Universal LRT Corp. Ltd., told Business Bulletin the proponent has finalized financial packages from investors but the final commitment will come only after awards of the project.

"But we are progressing very nicely," Levin said.

"I expect that we’ll go through the second pass approval by March and final award after the Swiss Challenge which is expected in July so we can start construction by 2006 and completion by 2009."

"This project proposal is completely budget deficit neutral to the government, no subsidy from the government and no direct government guarantee," Levin stressed.

Levin was confident the project would soon be approved after the financial adviser has met with NEDA-ICC to satisfy the four ICC conditions.

The conditions are: Priority to payments of revenues to be raised or the socalled "waterfall"; return on equity investments; concern on an earlier opinion of the Department of Justice; and compliance to a specific Monetary Board resolution.

Levin said that except for the return on equity investment, all the three other issues have been ironed out.

Universal LRT was asking for a minimum ROI of 7.5 percent and 16.8 percent maximum during good times.

The company noted that an 18 percent ROI under the Build-OperateTransfer law is allowed. In fact, the MRT 3 was allowed an ROI of 15 percent with all risks to the government.

According to Levin if the government would further lower the ROI this would make investors in MRT-7 reluctant to pour in their capital.

Levin said that an initial investment $360 million have been committed by various investors.

Some serious investors in MRT-7 include the China Railway 18th G, a $120million equity investment commitment from the International Finance Corp., Israeli investors, Japan Bank for International Cooperation, export credits from CNTIC of China and other European banks, SM Capital, BDO Capital, Penta Capital, Go Family, Premier Gold.

Contractors include Siemens Germany may become the consortium leader in the civil works and is also expected to provide the train coaches, Sumitomo/Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan, Alstom France, Siemens Germany, and EEI Philippines (AY Group).

The ambitious project consists of a 17-kilometer 8-lane asphalt Tala access road to North Luzon Expressway (NLEX); a 20-hectare anchor mixed-use real estate, inter-modal bustrain station in San Jose del Monte; a 21.5-kilometer primarily elevated LRT from Tala to North Avenue corner EDSA; a 4.5-kilometer spur line connection to Line 2 at Katipunan (Phase 2); and integrated joint station with MRT 3 Phase 2.

The 17-kilometer road diversion road and the MRT itself have a staggering cost of $1.209 billion in new investments.

Levin explained it is important to create the Tala diversion road from Marilao exit to Bulacan so as to decongest the Balintawak tollgate. The Tala access road will serve as gateway to NLEX and EDSA instead of Balintawak.

a 4.5-kilometer spur line connection to Line 2 at Katipunan (Phase 2); and integrated joint station with MRT 3 Phase 2.




Does this mean that they will be Connecting MRT2-7 Tracks together so both Types of trains can go on each others tracks no problem?!!!! if so.. that is great.. :D

Does this mean that they will be Connecting MRT2-7 Tracks together so both Types of trains can go on each others tracks no problem?!!!! if so.. that is great.. :D

That would be nice! The very long MRT 7 physically connected and linked with LRT 2. Its such a shame that the line using the best train technology is limited to a mere 13 km. It should be expanded some more in order to capitalize on the capabilities of the more superior rolling stock and if it can be linked to a very long and comprehensive line such as MRT 7, all the better. :yes:

I noticed that there is an unfinished tunnel under the AYALA station of MRT before but now they covered it with walls. Have you guys saw it before? Somebody told me that it was supposed to be a subway going to Bonifacio Global City and on the way to Terminal 3 of NAIA.

check out the start construction dates



since when did these dates actually matter? :D I mean, LRT-1 extension and MRT-3 completion should have been done by now, if we are to follow the dates they gave us...

however, I have faith in the fact that a completely private group is doing this.

:eek: Thats very good news...I especially like how Siemens is the civil works and rolling stock contractor. This line will surely have the best technology in mass transit. I agree with wally, too bad its only a 13km stretch. Oh well, at least its something. If only line 3 was this good:rant:

@ncbmandy - that tunnel was supposed to be an extention of line 3 that will go under Ayala Avenue all the way to line 1 going through buendia. Too bad they are covering it now, which is a sign that they wont continue the project.

old pic?
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid128/p4e09ffc7c8d2fbcd40b206b207a594f5/f7dfb0ef.jpg


That's a nice picture. I've never seen a shot or view like that before of the Manila subway! It gives a deeper look into it. ;)

My friend posted pictures of the new LRTA Line 2 including what the new train looks like. Bawal kumuha ng pics since the line won't open until April. Sorry can't hotlink the image here, but the thumbnails is good enough:

http://fotos.stberlin.com/showgallery.php?cat=512

Line 2 has been open for the past year and half, hasn't it?

Yeah...Line 2 has been open for over a year now;)

I was misinformed i guess. haha.

I wanted to take pictures of the Purple line last week but was told by the guards NO so sunod naman ako but anyway the Purple Line was roomier than the Blue and Yellow Line. I like it.

Pearl of the Orient Seas - The Philippines (http://community.webshots.com/user/jbkayaker12)

Jon

What's the purple line again? Line 2?
Blue line is Line 3?
Yellow? Isn't Line 3 also yellow?

In one of the newer photos from paul, I think it was, Line 1's roof is now blue. Yeah, that's it, mess up our colour-coding LRTA. :D


They should be yellow. (the roof of stations) Only makes sense for a Line named "Yellow" Line"

Line 1 - Yellow
Line 2 - Purple
Line 3 - Blue
Line 4 - Red
Line 5 - ?
Line 6 - Black?
Line 7 - I think its turquoise.

I don't think there ever was an official color scheme though. The original LRT used to be orange. Their carriages were a garish tan and orange. When they were still drawing up plans for the system as of 2000, Line 3 showed up on maps as red. So these colors that we are projecting to future lines are colors that mapmakers have been arbitrarily using on their maps, I think.

the MRT is finally raising its fees.. i hope this translates to better service..

MRT 3 to hike minimum fare to P10

Posted 11:25pm (Mla time) Feb 22, 2005
By Clarissa Batino
Inquirer News Service

Editor's Note: Published on page A24 of the February 23, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

THE METRO Rail Transit 3 wants to raise its minimum fare from P9.50 to P10 to restructure its rates. The proposed increase will allow the use of its vending machines that were left idle because of the existing fare scheme.

MRT 3 General Manager Roberto Lastimoso said the restructured fare will scrap the 50-centavo "excess" in the existing fare matrix.

The fare for the complete trip remains at P15.

The new fare scheme will take effect once the transportation department approves it.

Lastimoso said the MRT 3 does not expect any additional revenues from the fare restructuring, but it could reduce the queuing at the ticket booths. The railway system that runs from North Edsa to the Baclaran station on Taft Avenue, and the Light Railway Transit, have pending petitions for a P10 increase.

MRT 3 spokesperson Mariano Gui said the vending machines were not programmed to dispense loose change. "We have about 30 machines that were not utilized," he said, adding thatthe vending machines cost about P1 million each.

Gui said there could be a two percent increase in revenues because of the restructuring.

Lastimoso said the new scheme would result in four fare zones, but he would not elaborate since he did not have a copy of the proposed matrix.

Close to 800,000 commuters ride the MRT 3, LRT and LRT 2 everyday. The MRT 3 alone carries an average of 430,000 passengers daily, and generates about P120 million in monthly revenues.

But Lastimoso said its revenues were still P60 million short of what was needed to pay the monthly rental to Metro Railway Transit Corp., the private consortium that built the MRT 3 and leased the facility to the government before transferring its ownership after 25 years.

Based on its fare increase petition, MRT 3 wants to increase the minimum fare to P16 for the first three stations.

For the succeeding three stations, each commuter would have to pay an additional P3, bringing the maximum fare from the current rate of P15 to P25.

Train authorities cited the increased costs of maintenance and electricity costs. Power accounts for about 30 percent of the railway system's operation costs.

i think it is about time they raise the fees for the MRT and LRTs. they should at least be somewhere around P20-25. but yeah... I know that's really easy for me to say since I don't have to worry about paying for things myself yet and I don't even take the MRT. but they really have to figure out a way to reverse those losses to properly maintain the trains and facilities.

anyways, umm... I read an article yesterday, I think, about the government planning to either defer for the time being or totally scrap the LRT-1 extension project due to lack of funding. the article was not very clear though, and it referred to a P9B project being partly funded by the JBIC. that does not sound like the LRT-1 southward extension (aka LRT-6). however, the article did mention the project having to do with extending the line to Cavite. so I dunno... it's annoying sometimes when the reporters don't write things out properly. hehe...

I hope the other article posted here (#419 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=3303839&postcount=419))is what's true and the the LRT-6 will start construction soon. same goes for the MRT-7... and I hope they all, especially the new MRT, turn out nicely like the Megatren. haha!

The other component is of course whether people will be able to afford this. If we want more people to use LRT/MRT rather than other forms of surface transit along the LRT/MRT routes, there needs to be a corresponding raise in take home pay in order to be able to afford mass transit fare hikes. Granted the fare on the LRT/MRT system is generally too low to be cost-effective for operations, you'll never get people off the buses and into the trains unless you make it economically viable for them to do so. So yes, raise the fares on the mass transit system. But more importantly, increase the paychecks so people will not switch back to taking the bus.

Oh c'mon! People give up trains for buses because of a measley fare increase? That is so....wrong. Why would anyone want to take a looser cruiser bus vs a sleek elevated light rail train anyway?

I know I'm speaking from an American perspective but there are some things that are universal regardless of culture or economic status, such as the human nature to prefer trains over buses at whatever the opportunity... ;)

i do prefer riding the trains over the buses.. much more convenient and generally safer.. although if the rate does hike up to the P25 minimum i would have to re-think my mindset..

raising the income of workers is easier said than done.. in a perfect world it would be the right thing to do but there are alot of things to consider..

Responding to Wally: Yes, the train is certainly a much better form of transportation. In a place where train fare equals bus fare, taking the train would be a no brainer (unless the bus goes somewhere the train doesn't). But when you consider that alternate forms of transportation can cost as low as 1/5 the price of the train fare, you may be forced to change your mind. For many students and low income earners, a P5 open-air jeepney ride through some of the most polluted air in the world is preferable to a P25 ride in airconditioned, speedy comfort. For the P20 difference they can buy a cup of coffee and a piece of bread to have for breakfast.

yeah...Philippine trains is indeed more comfortable to ride on compared to a bus or jeepney... but the MRT and LRTs ply on the same thoroughfare as other modes of transport does.... and sometimes their route begins way farther than our train systems.....

If a person lives in Fairview and works in Alabang, some still prefer to ride an Alabang bus passing through Commonwealth Ave and EDSA where the MRT runs and straight to SLEX without getting off... they'd just trade the convenience of the MRT to being able to sit on the bus the whole route..... and many of them are the non-well-to-do families in the Fairview, Lagro, and Diliman areas.... it is more than often that you stand in the MRT on the whole stretch due to the long gaps between trains and tons of commuters....plus broken down trains

By using Wally's theory, Metro Manila jeeps and buses would have been extinct, or in very little numbers. That's not the case in EDSA and other roads is it? Again it comes down to what Boybaha said. :)

Line 1 - Yellow
Line 2 - Purple
Line 3 - Blue
Line 4 - Red
Line 5 - ?
Line 6 - Black?
Line 7 - I think its turquoise.

Yeah what boybaha said (again:D). Personally I haven't heard of any colour scheme, not at least anything official. Some of the lines haven't gone much in the process to have any colours or deisgn have they? :?

Also, I won't be much surprised should a Pink Line ever rise :lol:

Responding to Wally: Yes, the train is certainly a much better form of transportation. In a place where train fare equals bus fare, taking the train would be a no brainer (unless the bus goes somewhere the train doesn't). But when you consider that alternate forms of transportation can cost as low as 1/5 the price of the train fare, you may be forced to change your mind. For many students and low income earners, a P5 open-air jeepney ride through some of the most polluted air in the world is preferable to a P25 ride in airconditioned, speedy comfort. For the P20 difference they can buy a cup of coffee and a piece of bread to have for breakfast.

Well, if the disparity between fares is THAT big, of course it will detract certain groups of people. I don't know how much P20 is but if its enough for a meal, then that is a ridiculously big difference. I guess its like choosing whether you want to drive or to fly if planning to go to a not to far away different city (e.g. flying by yourself or flying with a family which adds up the airfare, hence may make sense to drive).

However, I think in most cases trains would still be preferable even if such disparities exist. You can never please everyone such as people who would rather give up their train pass for bread but I think for most people, if the meal isn't that significant and time for getting to your workplace or home to your family is, assuming the MRT is the most time saving method (can't speak for those Fairview, Largo and Diliman people but transfers are known to lessen transit ridership so one seat rides are preferable to some), the MRT will ultimately win.

As for renell's comment, I think if the network of Manila is extremely extensive, buses and jeepneys will continue to decline in major arteries where the trains are and would end up as "feeder" systems to funnel people from outlying neighbourhoods to the MRT lines.

umm.. there is actually an official color coding scheme that was put in place when the SRTS (Strong Republic Transport System) (http://www.lrta.gov.ph/srts_project.htm) was launched. and each line sorta has an official "nickname" too... haha.

GreyX was right for part of it...

Line 1 | Metrorail - Yellow Line
Line 2 | Megatren - Purple Line
Line 3 | Metrostar - Blue Line
Line X | Northrail - Green Line
Line X | Southrail - Orange Line

but they haven't come up with colours/names for the proposed LRT-6 or MRT-4/7/8 yet though. LRT-6 could be renamed as part of Line 1. I just don't get why they repainted Line 1 stations blue when it's the Yellow line. hahaha!!

As for renell's comment, I think if the network of Manila is extremely extensive, buses and jeepneys(I'm assuming they are some form of mini shuttle bus) will continue to decline in major arteries where the trains are and would end up as "feeder" systems to funnel people from outlying neighbourhoods to the MRT lines.
yeah, that's what people usually theorize will happen once a mass rail system is put in place in major arteries in big cities. but in Metro Manila, in the MRT-3's case particularly, this has yet to happen. I believe this is partly because of the overpriced fees that were introduced when the line first opened back in 199X. I remember somebody telling me the prices were way over the top and that ridership was way below targetted until they lowered fees to somewhere around where they are pegged today - which is way too low to be profitable. still, this did not rid EDSA of the thousands of busses that are still plying it today although I'm sure they are considerably less now. but yeah, there's now that problem as to how they can balance ridership with the willingness to pay of these passengers...

umm.. there is actually an official color coding scheme that was put in place when the SRTS (Strong Republic Transport System) (http://www.lrta.gov.ph/srts_project.htm) was launched. and each line sorta has an official "nickname" too... haha.

GreyX was right for part of it...

Line 1 | Metrorail - Yellow Line
Line 2 | Megatren - Purple Line
Line 3 | Metrostar - Blue Line
Line X | Northrail - Green Line
Line X | Southrail - Orange Line

but they haven't come up with colours/names for the proposed LRT-6 or MRT-4/7/8 yet though. LRT-6 could be renamed as part of Line 1. I just don't get why they repainted Line 1 stations blue when it's the Yellow line. hahaha!!


Ok. Thanks for clearing that up for me. I guess I was speaking from my experience. When I was working for a government agency years ago, all the official documentation and graphics for the Metro Manila rail system used the following color scheme (actually the image below was one I used for one of my presentations and shows my PowerPoint handiwork hehehe). I lost the Metro Manila map that went beneath the routemap pictured below. The colors were pretty much standardized on all our presentations and among the different government agencies who used the maps. But as I remember, these colors were pretty arbitrarily chosen as no line-name designations were created yet.

Also notice that Southrail was called the MCX and went all over the place.

http://img239.exs.cx/img239/1466/lrtmrt9nr.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)


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