ough...so much to read in this thread, but not enough time:D I'll post my proper reply later. But just to answer renell, yes, as lance said the govt has officially installed color schemes on the different lines.

24-hour operation of MRT, LRT mulled

Malacañan plans to make the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and the two lines of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) available to the commuting public on a 24-hour basis, DZMM reported Wednesday.


Currently, the MRT and LRT lines operate from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.


President Arroyo said the 24-hour operation of the MRT and LRT would benefit night-shift workers particularly those in the thriving call center industry.


Mrs. Arroyo said this would also ensure that an efficient 24-hour transportation system in available at any time to the riding public.


The President made known her plans during her visit in Libis, Quezon City Wednesday, where she also held audience with employees of a call center company, C-Cube, which is one of the biggest call centers in Metro Manila.


The Chief Executive likewise reminded chairman Bayani Fernando of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to expedite improvements in the so-called "super highways" like C-5, Mc Arthur Highway, Marcos Highway, Quezon Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue and R-10.


The call center business is said to be one of the fastest-growing and biggest employers of English-speaking Filipinos who can't find a day job.


In 2004, the Board of Investments predicted that the industry could produce 60,000 fresh jobs.


A call center is a model for multipurpose interactions, like selling servicing and marketing that serve the needs of various constituents of an organization: customers, prospects, suppliers, distributors and employees. In the country, call center employees usually report to work during the night up to the next morning to entertain calls from Europe and the US.


Across the globe, the industry is estimated to generate revenues of more than $650 billion annually.


At least 45 call center companies have so far set up shop in Metro Manila, Clark and Cebu.

^Thats good news...i've always wanted the mass transit lines to be operational for 24 hours.

Yeah, 24-hour transportation is vital to a progressive city like what Manila is becoming.

Ha ha ha..I remember i join the forum in www.gov.ph and made a thread last January 20, 2005 in that forum requesting to make the MRT and LRT operation to be extended by additional hours because of the call centers and business process outsourcing business in the entire metropolis. Maybe somebody red my post.

Here was my message:

Good Day Madam President,

Since metro manila host to many Business Process Outsourcing Company and Call Centers and these companies has shifting schedules for their operation to accomodate the different time zones of their client around the world, It is better to extend the operating hours of MRT/LRT from the current 5.30am-9:45pm to 4:00am-12midnight. Since many office employees in Metro Manila goes to work from 6:00am-2:00pm, 2:00pm-10:00pm, 10:00pm-6:00am i think you should provide them a safe transportation like MRT/LRT instead of riding on a jeeney along taft ave. and bus along edsa at the middle of the night or early in the morning where many hold-uppers and pick-pocketers prey for this young professionals who earn big bucks. I myself is an employee of this type of business and we belong to one of the top BPO here in metro manila and everytime we go home and ride on a jeepney/bus we always worry about our personal belongings or even our life since we go out at the office at the middle of the night not unlike other offices who has the luxury or normal office hours of 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Anybody who are reading this message and you know the president or even one of her staff can you please forward this concern of mine to them.

Thank You.
www.geocities.com/ncbmandy
By:
ncbmandy
registered: 1/20/2005
member
Philippines

hahaha...good job ncbmandy!:)

i saw in the news earlier that the person in charge of the MRT has yet to receive the formal request form malacanang about this though.. and they still have to conduct studies if the idea is viable.. meaning will the MRT/LRT generate income because of this act.. cuz the government is still subsidizing for part of our fares for the MRT..

i guess if this act does push thru, the fares will rise again..

narinig ko yan sa radyo kanina habang nag morning routine ako. aliw sana kung ganyan. sayang nga lang baka di natin kaya kasi mahirap na bansa lamang tayo.

well... even Singapore's MRT isn't fully 24-hour. ummm yes there are benefits for call-center workers but of course there are the dangers of the night eg rapists, drunk teens, squatters sleeping there. But I don't oppose it at all. Not that I'll be using it, or have I ever used a MRT anywhere in the world past 2400h:D

NYC has a 24 hour metro. Of course, the schedules are a more spread out at night. Many a time I spent drunk on a platform at 3AM, waiting for subway. Sometimes my wait was so long that I wished I had taken a cab instead. But yes, definitely, especially for the night revellers, 24 hour service is great. The problem is that you better make sure the intermodal transfers are also available for 24 hours. Otherwise you'd have a bunch of people stuck on main thoroughfares with no way to get closer to their homes.

Yes that is the problem isn't it, well at least one of the problems. Jeepney drivers work very hard at day, and I've been out there late at night, I wouldn't get much taxis probing at night, and less jeepneys.

I'd like to see how this one will turn out. :yes:

Vienna also has a 24 hour system, i believe. I remember riding the subway at around 12:30am...wasnt bad. I agree with you guys, in order for the MRT to work during the night, there should also be feeder services available. There are some jeepneys and buses though.

Well, I wish BTSC Skytrain and MRTA Subway will be OPENED aroudn the clock instead of just 6 AM to midnight whcih make NO SENSE at all for Bangkokians ... None stop beating heart indeed .... :grin:

The new coaches of LRT and the coaches of MRT are all painted with advertisement, why dont they do it also in the aircraft of PAL, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines but of course the ads must be themed with WOW Philippines. I ve visited this thread and saw the photo of Thai Airways with advertisement of Amazing Thailand and wanders that it will be beautiful and helful for the Tourism if these airlines will do the same like what the thai airways did http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=142465

Foregone revenues due to delays in LRT-1 expansion hit P468 million
If not for the government's failure to partly finance a project expanding capacity of LRT Line 1 and other causes of delay, it would have earned P468 million in additional revenue in the last three years.

"The loan [with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation or JBIC] was signed five years ago and there has been a three-year delay in its operations. The delay accounts for a P468-million foregone revenue for the government," said Osamu Murata, JBIC chief representative in the Philippines.

The approved loan amount for the project is P9 billion, but the money can be drawn only when the government is ready with its counterpart fund of P500 million.

Due to the government's budgetary woes, the project proposed by the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) has been stalled for five years. It should have been completed in 2002 if not for the delays, particularly in the bidding.

Mr. Murata said the expansion project should start by March 15 this year, in time for the ending of JBIC's fiscal year in Japan, to show that there is already progress in the project.

Under the terms of agreement between JBIC and the government, the 22.262-billion yen loan has a 1% interest payable in 40 years with a 10-year grace period.

Mr. Murata said there is also no need for the LRTA to rebid the project, which was awarded to Sumitomo Itochu in December 2004. Losing bidder, Marubeni, continues to dispute the bidding process, causing further delay in the project.

He also denied accusations that there was "undue haste" in the awarding of [the] contract, saying that the JBIC has been closely monitoring the process of the bidding, which took four years.

Mr. Murata said the government risks losing credibility to investors if the LRTA project is delayed even further. He added that other repercussions on the stalling of the project would be the increase of its cost and the delay in the decongestion of Metro Manila. -- Anna Barbara L. Lorenzo

Ha ha ha..I remember i join the forum in www.gov.ph and made a thread last January 20, 2005 in that forum requesting to make the MRT and LRT operation to be extended by additional hours because of the call centers and business process outsourcing business in the entire metropolis. Maybe somebody red my post.

Here was my message:

Good Day Madam President,

Since metro manila host to many Business Process Outsourcing Company and Call Centers and these companies has shifting schedules for their operation to accomodate the different time zones of their client around the world, It is better to extend the operating hours of MRT/LRT from the current 5.30am-9:45pm to 4:00am-12midnight. Since many office employees in Metro Manila goes to work from 6:00am-2:00pm, 2:00pm-10:00pm, 10:00pm-6:00am i think you should provide them a safe transportation like MRT/LRT instead of riding on a jeeney along taft ave. and bus along edsa at the middle of the night or early in the morning where many hold-uppers and pick-pocketers prey for this young professionals who earn big bucks. I myself is an employee of this type of business and we belong to one of the top BPO here in metro manila and everytime we go home and ride on a jeepney/bus we always worry about our personal belongings or even our life since we go out at the office at the middle of the night not unlike other offices who has the luxury or normal office hours of 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Anybody who are reading this message and you know the president or even one of her staff can you please forward this concern of mine to them.

Thank You.
www.geocities.com/ncbmandy
By:
ncbmandy
registered: 1/20/2005
member
Philippines

I already tried Emailing LRta before regarding this... they daid they can't event extend service for 30 minutes since line servicing would be impaired... so lame.

I already tried Emailing LRta before regarding this... they daid they can't event extend service for 30 minutes since line servicing would be impaired... so lame.

In fairness, the london underground can't operate 24 hours a day for maintenance reasons. Then again, I can't think of anyone who'd like to be stuck in the tube before dawn :)

Although I'd love to have 24 hour rail service in the metro, it would entail additional operating costs for half the ridership. Also, many stations are connected to malls, and its *really* inconvenient to use these stations when the malls are closed. You could get mugged right outside the station...

JBIC wants LRT project started immediately

The Philippine Star 03/11/2005

Japan Bank for International Cooperation has asked Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima to clear the immediate start of the P8-billion LRT 1 expanion project won by Sumitomo of Japan.

JBIC chief representative Osamu Murata, in a strongly worded letter of Purisima, characterized the delay in the project as "avoidable and meaingless (and) never in the interest of (the government) and the Philippine people."

Sumitomo won the contract but some parties, including congressmen, have been pushing for a re-bid. Marubeni was the losing bidder. Newly installed LRTA administrator Mel Robles awarded the contract to Sumitomo based on bidding results.

The project is strategically important to improving the 20-year old LRT 1 service from Monumento to Baclaran by modernizing all equipment and installing computerized signaling systems for safer and efficient travel. It will also allow the line to carry more passengers.

Murata also asked for an "official explanation" from the Philippine government, if Manila "delays further the project." JBIC agreed five years ago to fund the LRT-1 expansion with a soft loan.

He effectively told DoF that there are no hurdles to the project, contrary to the claims by some congressmen and other unidentified parties who are pushing for a rebid. DoF is the borrower for the soft loan from JBIC for the project and the oversight agency as well.

He said it is the government and the public that stand to lose from any further delay in the project that should be in place by this year had the original scheduled been followed.

The capacity expansion project includes additional 48 new air-conditioned trains as well upgrade of platforms and construction of escalators in some stations.

Any delay in this capacity expansion project will also further delay in LRT Line 1 extension from Baclaran to Cavite.

Yes...they should start immediately. The govt shouldnt make it hard for the investors, otherwise they wont invest anymore.

And make it hard for themselves either, and us. Remember who will use the Line 1 extension.

Who?

huh? i dont understand what u said renell.:D

umm.. it's us who will use Line 1 man. Maybe the investors in one of those photo and PR crap, but mainly we will, our relatives, our friends in MM and Cavite.

So to sum it all up it's the Filipinos, the investors who eagerly await for this Line extension to start. I mean geez it's been quite a long time now even for Pinoy time!

yeah... they really should get on with the project before the costs continue to go up. I just find it weird how the JBIC keeps strongly pushing the project even as public inquiries into the bidding have just been called for by a number of Congressmen. maybe the lawmakers are just making last ditch efforts in hopes of handing the project over to a losing bidder they favour. but yeah, five years is a pretty long delay, especially in this type of project where there aren't really any ROW issues involved and no major contruction plans to be ironed out...

anyways...

MRT set for another round of fare hikes
ASB-CBNNews.com | March 11, 2005

The Metro Rail Transit (MRT) confirmed Friday that it will implement another round of fare adjustments once President Arroyo signs the memorandum order allowing the agency to charge higher fares.

MRT administrator Roberto Lastimoso said this over radio DZMM Friday morning, two days before the zonal fare increase takes effect.

The proposed fare adjustment, Lastimoso said, will be imposed on top of the March 13 zonal fare increase. Based on the zonal fare system, the MRT will charge P10 for the first three stations beginning from North Avenue. An additional P2 will be charged for every three stations thereafter.

However, travel from North Avenue to the Taft Avenue station remains at P15.

At present, a train ride to Quezon Avenue, MRT's nearest station from the North Avenue main hub, is P9.50.

But on the proposed new fare hike, Lastimoso said that an additional P10 will be added to the P15. Once the new system is in place, a train ride from North Avenue to Taft Avenue will cost P25.

This is broken down to a P16 flag-down for the first three stations from North Avenue and an additional P3 for the succeeding three stops.

Lastimoso defended the scheduled fare adjustments and said that the MRT is incurring costs and overhead expenses have risen.

"Our monthly obligations have grown and we have contracts that we have to pay in dollars," he said. This poses a real problem to the MRT, Lastimoso explained, because they earn in pesos but the contracts are to be paid in dollars.

He said the MRT earns an average of P130 million monthly. However, it needs to pay at least $3.5 million (P189 million based on the current exchange rate of P54:$1) for various overhead expenses.

This early, the MRT's plan to increase further its fares has met opposition from thousands of passengers. Passengers said the MRT needs to improve services first before it can impose higher charges.

Passengers have complained of non-working air-conditioning units inside the coaches, frequent train breakdowns and power interruptions.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
here comes the major, much-needed fare hike. let's see how the public will react to this. I'm sure there are gonna be huge portests again. I just hope that they succeed with implementing the raised fares, the MRTA does not just go and waste the extra money... I think the LRTA is also about to implement a fare hike very soon. it's the one proposed last year, I believe, that has long ago been approved already. they're just waiting for the best time to implement it.

well if they we can see more improvements in the service by increasing the fare then why not. but if nothing is gonna change, fare hikes would just be another burdent for the riding public..

JBIC wants LRT project started immediately

The Philippine Star 03/11/2005

Japan Bank for International Cooperation has asked Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima to clear the immediate start of the P8-billion LRT 1 expanion project won by Sumitomo of Japan.

JBIC chief representative Osamu Murata, in a strongly worded letter of Purisima, characterized the delay in the project as "avoidable and meaingless (and) never in the interest of (the government) and the Philippine people."

Sumitomo won the contract but some parties, including congressmen, have been pushing for a re-bid. Marubeni was the losing bidder. Newly installed LRTA administrator Mel Robles awarded the contract to Sumitomo based on bidding results.

The project is strategically important to improving the 20-year old LRT 1 service from Monumento to Baclaran by modernizing all equipment and installing computerized signaling systems for safer and efficient travel. It will also allow the line to carry more passengers.

Murata also asked for an "official explanation" from the Philippine government, if Manila "delays further the project." JBIC agreed five years ago to fund the LRT-1 expansion with a soft loan.

He effectively told DoF that there are no hurdles to the project, contrary to the claims by some congressmen and other unidentified parties who are pushing for a rebid. DoF is the borrower for the soft loan from JBIC for the project and the oversight agency as well.

He said it is the government and the public that stand to lose from any further delay in the project that should be in place by this year had the original scheduled been followed.

The capacity expansion project includes additional 48 new air-conditioned trains as well upgrade of platforms and construction of escalators in some stations.

Any delay in this capacity expansion project will also further delay in LRT Line 1 extension from Baclaran to Cavite.

i was actually surpised myself, w/ how much the japs already had contributed to the philippines. i recently attended the ngo festival during the phil-jap fest, & i found out that they are involved with evrything....not only on infras devt, but also with agri (they fund IRRI), social welfare(japan is funding numerous ngos here!!), giving credit to small-scale industries in the provinces, technology transfer, donating equipments & training our coast guards, and many many more!!! nakakahiya tuloy isipin that portions of the funds they lend us in ODA end up only in the pockets of some officials, kaya when they arrived here to inspect hteir projects, they were so frustrated that they decided to cancel much of this year's ODA's allocation to the phils. its a big damn humiliation :(

I think that is an issue, you're right. This is a very big problem for the Philippines because donor countries are increasingly wanting accountability built into development programs and at least when money is being given, donor countries are beginning to circumvent traditional service providers in order to have more direct control of their projects. So while things like charity work benefit from direct participation by foreign donors, large government infra projects like the MRT/LRT will begin to suffer. It's easier to give money when you know where your money's heading.

i was actually surpised myself, w/ how much the japs already had contributed to the philippines. i recently attended the ngo festival during the phil-jap fest, & i found out that they are involved with evrything....not only on infras devt, but also with agri (they fund IRRI), social welfare(japan is funding numerous ngos here!!), giving credit to small-scale industries in the provinces, technology transfer, donating equipments & training our coast guards, and many many more!!! nakakahiya tuloy isipin that portions of the funds they lend us in ODA end up only in the pockets of some officials, kaya when they arrived here to inspect hteir projects, they were so frustrated that they decided to cancel much of this year's ODA's allocation to the phils. its a big damn humiliation :(

ODA is NOT free. We will have to pay back every cent. We have enough debts as it is; although deficit spending is a prerequisite for a healthy economy, our deficit is just overblown.

some of them are grants and are actually free, and that sometimes makes it worse. remember the old building in Intramuros that JudeD or another forumer told us about... that the Spanish Queen or someone granted tons of money so it could be rehabilitated and transformed into the new Spanish Embassy. 'tas walang nangyari... sigh. 'di lang nakakahiya, sayang pa. the gov't shouldn't wait til these donor countries give up on the Philippines before they finally get going with these...

oo naman...ewan ba. di ba yung tunnel sa EDSA-East Ave, gawa din ng Japanese? And JBIC projects is handled by our company. Ewan ko lang kung kasali ang LRT.

I've been following this thread since I know Manila's MRT projects are good examples of public private partnership projects of transit expansion. One thing I want clarified, so is the hold up for the SNC Lavalin project of expanding LRT 1 just because of some government bureaucracy(i.e. congressmen stalling to favor their own bidders)? Or is there a funding issue that the Philippine government does not want to commit?

Also, don't they have an audit trail to show where the money is getting funneled? I just think a lot of corruption in the Philippines can be avoided only if they have a very good accounting system audited by a major independent auditor such as KPMG or Price Waterhouse Coopers. Any inbalance can easily pinpoint to funds going to the pockets of local authorities.

guys i passed by the north avenue station of the MRT yesterday, and i saw that they were constructing an MRT depot in the area.. i was also trying to look for signs of the planned north triangle mall.. i cant seem to find it..

Wally, the LRT 1 extension where SNC Lavalin is a BOT project so no government funds are used. The delays I understand have to do with:

1) Realignment so that the train has no problem passing through, specially with our right of way issues here;
2) Am not sure if they've done the final pass for the total project amount , this affects the cost and eventaully the price of the ticket which the government must regulate as it's a monopoly, a fixed Return is guaranteed (15% I understand) and the project price must be low enough to give the proponent that return at the same time give the riding public the cheapest fare possible.
3) Am not sure if they've done the bidding swisschallenge part already as all projects must be offered to competitive bidding but the proponent has the right to match the lowest bid.

Your comment on the transparency and adequacy of financial records is valid but not as relevant for this project.

Stephen, the MRT depot is already functional there in North triangle.

I think the soft launch (as in Newspaper PR campaign for Ayalas North Triangle project) will be in the 2nd quarter that's why there are no signs yet.

really? then i must have misread the signs or something.. hehe.. or i could have mistaken the construction of the north triangle mall for the mrt depot.. hehehe..

thanks for the head up!!

http://www.lrta.gov.ph/projects/proj_l1southex.htm

Status (as of January 31, 2005)
Complete Review of Unsolicited Proposal.
LRTA, with the assistance of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has completed the technical, financial and legal review of the unsolicited proposal submitted by SNC-Lavalin International, Inc./Manila Bay Area Rapid Transit Corp. ("SLII/MBART"), the original proponent of the Project. The unsolicited proposal of SLII/MBART consisted of the Amended Joint Venture Agreement ("AJVA") and the Amended Implementation Agreement ("AIA"), which was submitted to LRTA last 24 August 2004.

Identification of Issues.

The review conducted by the LRTA/IFC team revealed that significant changes and revisions to the original JVA and IA were made by SLII/MBART. The amendments had shifted the bearing of major Project risk from the original proponent to the government, for example, under the JVA and AIA, SLII/MBART is now requiring a guarantee on revenue that would protect the proponent from ridership risk (similar to the EDSA MRT 3 model). Also, raising financing for the Project has become a joint obligation of the parties which is a departure from the usual build-operate-transfer/private sector participation schemes.

Completion of the Updated Ridership Study.

LRTA, through the support of IFC, has commissioned and completed an updated and independent ridership study to forecast the demand for the integrated LRT Line 1 facilities (existing and extension lines) The updated ridership study will be a key input in structuring a financially viable transaction. It will also help determine the need for and the level of government support if, any.

NEXT STEPS

LRTA and SLII/MBART have taken very strong position on the issue identified during the first round of negotiations. To expedite the resolution of these issues, LRTA, with the assistance of IFC is preparing a detailed Project term sheet that will stipulate the proposed terms and risk sharing arrangement for the development and implementation of the Project. The term sheet will include provisions on ridership risk, site acquisition, construction, and operation and maintenance obligations, and other key issues. Overall, will attempt to devise a fair, valid, sound and bankable private sector participation transaction that takes into account applicable best practices and prevailing financial market conditions.

The term sheet is expected to be completed by the third week of February. Once finalized, it will be transmitted to SNC-Lavalin for review and comment. The parties will then meet and hopefully agree on the final structure and terms of the transaction.

After the parties have reached an agreement, the unsolicited proposal will be endorsed by LRTA and submitted to NEDA-ICC for first and second pass approval in accordance with the BOT Law. After securing NEDA-ICC approval, LRTA will be able to conduct the Swiss Challenge by the first half of 2005 and thereafter, award the Project to the winning proponent.
-----------------------

so from the looks of it, this project will only start construction late 2005 at the earliest...

http://homepage.mac.com/wkaemena/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2004-01-24%2017.11.12%20-0800/Image-16AC88D04ED211D8.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/wkaemena/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2004-01-24%2017.11.12%20-0800/Image-16AFEC314ED211D8.jpg

If North Rail had these kind of rails would they prevent theft of the metal or is it more expensive to put in place?
http://homepage.mac.com/wkaemena/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2004-01-24%2017.11.12%20-0800/Image-16B27AC34ED211D8.jpg
Wow, ang ganda akala ko pangit ang mga stations ng MRT.
http://homepage.mac.com/wkaemena/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2004-01-24%2017.11.12%20-0800/Image-16B2A3BD4ED211D8.jpg

Wow, ang ganda akala ko pangit ang mga stations ng MRT.
[IMG]http://homepage.mac.com/wkaemena/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2004-01-24%2017.11.12%20-0800/Image-16B2A3BD4ED211D8.jpg

Maganda talaga yang Ayala Station pero hindi kasing well-lit katulad ng nakikita niyo sa pic. Magaling lang talaga mag set ng exposure yung kumuha nung pic kaya mukhang maliwanag yung station kahit na sa totoo lang eh madilim yung lights nila sa mga stations.

yeah... di sya ganyan ka-well-lit... actually I find Ayala and Shaw stations very nice when it was new... but now.. with the poor lighting and the think dust pollution on its wall... nahhh!!!

it's not as bad as most people think (specially when compared to New york subways yikes) but you should see the LRT2, wow this thing( the mrt) looks so thirdworld!

In terms of travel time ny subway is very convenient. You only need to hold your breath.

The New York Subway is no longer the dirty subway immortalized in 80s suspense-crime movies. While not Washington DC clean, it is certainly tidy and efficient and cannot be beaten. I just hate to take it in the summer because the stations are even hotter than the ones in Manila. But it's a common misconception that it's a dirty place.

look at the traffic on the first pix. my goodness! 4 lanes lang yata yan eh naging pito na. mga drivers talaga sa atin walang disiplina. lagi pa sila nagchi-change lane, yung iba hindi pa magsignal :rant:

Haha. parang di talaga uso dito ang pagsisignal. magugulat ka na lang na biglang nag change-lane yung nasa harap mo, o di kaya eh bigla ka na lang ika-cut nung nasa tabi mo... hayy... magulo talaga magmaneho ang mga driver sa 'pinas.

kasi karamihan ng mga driver sa atin ay sa mga bump-cars lang nagpractice... lol (--,)

yeah.... akala kasi ng drivers na painting lang ung mga linya sa daan.. heheheh... :D plus mura lang "bumili" ng lisensya... :D

Oh New York, the first and only time I've visited St.Patrick Cathedral, our car got vandalised, thieves broke the window of the car we were using and took off with our luggages. NO trunk on this car its an Izuzu. We just went in to pray and have a look probably around 5 minutes and our luggages were taken that fast.

So my impression of NYC well it suck and tall buildings does not
impressed me anyway. St Patricks ok but I have seen bigger and more grandiose cathedrals in Germany.

Jon

hhhmmm... a very traumatic experience. you must have hated NY for the rest of your life?

hhhmmm... a very traumatic experience. you must have hated NY for the rest of your life?

Well there is really nothing there that I would want to visit anyway. Maybe just Central Park.

Jon

So you mean even with or without that traumatic experience, you still don't like NY?

That's sad. I'm sorry your first experience there was a bad one. That would never happen today on such a high-profile block. It's really a misconception that New York is crime capital because if it ever was, it gave up that mantel years ago. Oh well. There's a recent article I read on TV crime shows that says that there is no shortage of crime dramas set in NY (who else do we take down but the best?) like CSI and NYPD Blue that help bolster this crime image, but in all reality, NY's police department is the model being followed by a few major cities like Washington DC, Miami and Mexico City because it works. There's a new crime show coming out that is also set in NY but they had to set it 30 years ago, in the 70s, to be historically accurate with the criminality.

Anyway, I can go on and on about NYC so I'll save that prattle for another thread. There's no place like it. When it works, it's the world standard. When it doesn't it's everyone's favorite example of the most terrible city in the world. I guess being the top dog has its drawbacks.

Incidentally, and I really don't believe in such rankings, New York was rated as the 195th safest city in the USA (which for a city its size is amazing). Las Vegas is the 214th. This was 3 years ago. I don't know this year's numbers because you have to buy them. ?!?!?!
http://www.morganquinto.com

And in case you're wondering, Amherst, NY is #1, Detroit, MI was dead last. San Francisco is 212 and Los Angeles is 263.

OK sooo off-topic.

yeah I heard that New York is bad.... the impressive skyline is not as impressive as its streets and alleyways.... a dirty city with muggers.... Chicago is better I heard...

well.. I guess the only place to see there is Lady Liberty and the Empire State...

Oh I don't know. Along with San Francisco and Montreal, New York is one of my three favorite cities in North America because there's so much culture, life, things to do, places to see. There's something for everyone. Lady Liberty is the most boring place in NYC. (I've been there once when I was 12 and I wasn't impressed-- it's just a tall statue.) But the neighborhoods--- Chinatown, Little Italy, Greenwich Village, Soho, the many neighborhoods of Brooklyn, the Upper West Side, the Upper East Side. So diverse, so beautiful. And again, contrary to everyone's beliefs-- CLEAN and SAFE (of course, not Toronto clean and safe but again, definitely not what you see in movies like Taxi Driver). 15 years ago maybe I'd agree that it was dirty and dangerous.

There's absolutely no trace of blue in the Blue Line except that small signboard and the trains.........how about the Flesh/Beige/Light Brown Line?

And someone should also put proper white lines in EDSA....In one row I counted 6 cars, the other I counted 3........

I haven't been there in a long time (since 96) but I used to frequent and live there in the 80's and can definitely say the MRT was better looking the subway ( I particularly did not like the stations on chamber and the ones near wtc, same with times sq buti na lang they've been fixed up) that cross island one was particularly nasty parang impierno. But zero tolerance (for petty crime and graffiti) has worked. Or at least the reports and as Boyhaha hasindicated. Hopefully it will not take long for such gentrification or at least safety will come to our own stations.

yup MRT3 is the Blue Line simply because of the blue trains.. and blue sign boards...

lines on EDSA are quite useless because many (most are public transport drivers) don't even follow them specially buses, they'd sideswipe you even you're almost halfway through them

oo nga, nakakatakot talaga sa Edsa pag nakakotse ka lang tapos may katabi kang pagka-lakilaking bus. mas nakatakot lalo pag nasa gitna ka ng dalawang bus kasi alam mo naman kung gaano ka barumbado ang karamihan ng mga bus drivers sa atin so pag minalas ka eh you and your car could end up being sandwiched flat between the two buses.

yeahh... specially if you get trapped in the yellow lane near a bus stop area...

haha. pag nangyayari yun, ang maiisip mo na lang eh... waahhhh "I'm Doomed" :D

Awesome pics...one of the best set of pics of MRT 3 so far:D

Incidently, i was in NYC at the same year as Bustero (1996)...it wasnt so bad. I know that crime has dramatically fallen during Mayor Giuliani's days. I love NYC, it has always been one of my favorite cities in NA since the day i knew about it:D

yeah I heard that New York is bad.... the impressive skyline is not as impressive as its streets and alleyways.... a dirty city with muggers.... Chicago is better I heard...

well.. I guess the only place to see there is Lady Liberty and the Empire State...

New York city does not only have a very impressive skyline, but also a vey diverse and interesting street life. And for a big city, NYC is safe.

I <3 New York :)

Well I hope we get the network of subways that new york city has except that it's above ground. Actually I hope it operates like the Singapore one , always clean and safe, like tokyo except at least you know what station you'll be on.

How many lines does new york have anyway, it should be the worlds most extensive right?

At least 1 to 6 and A to c any more else?
Not counting path trains to NJ and trains to CT.

Compared to Manila we have 1,2,3 4 6 and 7 up. Is this right. Is there a long term 25 year plan? Doesnt seem like alot considering we'll be bigger than NY in population in that time.

How about line 8 which is supposed to run along Shaw Blvd?:D And line 5, which i think could be the subway line. Or the real subway line, if it isnt line 5:lol:

When we ever get a network comparable to NY or other major cities like Tokyo and Paris, it's better that it's buried underground.

Here's a map of NYC Subway
http://www.nycsubway.org/maps/route/nysubway.gif

hey guys i heard the news a few days ago that construction of the mrt ext to monumento will finally start this year after a long delay. so tuloy tuloy na ang inter-connection with the lrt in monumento and from there the two lines will connect onced completed to the northrail project

Does anyone know how they managed to solve the ROW problem with the Bonifacio Monument?

So you mean even with or without that traumatic experience, you still don't like NY?

I have no interest in visiting it much like I dont have interest in Vegas nor HongKong. I like California and Florida, minus the theme parks. Florida I have yet to visit.

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

Jon

You're always welcome here Jon! :lol: (look at my location to the left of the screen)

No idea re Bonifacio Monument. Tricky issue Progress versus Heritage.

Re underground mass transit, aside from the fact that it's cheaper and more realistic for Manila due to our high water table I just prefer above ground because I remember the endless 1 hour commutes your all squeezed together in a hot train in the dark looking at nothing but one another, parang sardines, at least the natural sunlight makes the trip a tad bearable just my opinion.

No idea re Bonifacio Monument. Tricky issue Progress versus Heritage.

Re underground mass transit, aside from the fact that it's cheaper and more realistic for Manila due to our high water table I just prefer above ground because I remember the endless 1 hour commutes your all squeezed together in a hot train in the dark looking at nothing but one another, parang sardines, at least the natural sunlight makes the trip a tad bearable just my opinion.

Bangkok is dubbed "The Venice of Asia", and they managed to build a subway. We shouldn't have as much trouble, and its high time that they did something large-scale about the MM flooding, anyway.

hhmmm... I guess its hard for people of Malabon and Navotas.. because their area is naturally below water level and you can see water on high tides... though there are spots where it is flooded 24/7....

so.. they would really move the Bonifacio Monument now to Tala?.... my.... I hope they just rerouted the MRT so that monument would have remained in its place.... but.... progress calls for this... :(

How about the caloocan historical walk at the middle of Edsa? Eh di dadaanan din ng MRT yun. Sobrang mahal pa naman ng pagkakagawa dun.

You're always welcome here Jon! :lol: (look at my location to the left of the screen)

Hahahaha did you know I've lived here in the United States for almost 20 years now and I still have yet to set foot in either Disneyland nor Disney World. Hahaha!

California, Florida, Utah and Arizona are some of the best states here when talking about the beauty of nature which I am more interested in than a skyscraper but I dont mind chatting about it (skycrapers).

Jon

How about the caloocan historical walk at the middle of Edsa? Eh di dadaanan din ng MRT yun. Sobrang mahal pa naman ng pagkakagawa dun.

Well engineers are smart, and hopefully they are given the resources to work around this. Yeah.. imo if it needs to go underground it should.. but will the extension even go through this year? :bash:

haaayyy... yeah... they should instead make it underground at least that part near the approach of the monument then go above ground after passing it...

actually... I'm also thinking when MRT7 is built.. it should also go under ground when it nears the Quezon Memorial Circle.... having a rail system to cover these historical sites and obelisks reduces their value.....

How many lines does new york have anyway, it should be the worlds most extensive right?
I've always thought Tokyo was the most extensive.

The ones that are underground
http://osamuabe.ld.infoseek.co.jp/subway/maincity/tokyo/tokyoj.gif

The ones that are not underground
http://www.nigels.com/fiona/_derived/tokyo.htm_txt_JRcropped.gif

Although IMHO, it can be very confusing and tiring living in a city with such a massive railway system.

Ok. That beats New York.

I think London also has a more extensive system.

actually... I'm also thinking when MRT7 is built.. it should also go under ground when it nears the Quezon Memorial Circle.... having a rail system to cover these historical sites and obelisks reduces their value.....

i totally agree with you. It would look horrible if an elevated line 7 would pass through half the circle. They MUST go underground in that area.

Ok. That beats New York.

I think London also has a more extensive system.

Here's the London Underground. 14 lines and systems, compared to the... 8-10 something to come in MM, but London's go for long I believe. LRT1 should be longer, and it should be extended now, not 2 years time. LRT2 love should also be spread into Rizal, into one of its bigger cities, perhaps Antipolo. Makes it easier for pilgrims into that church there, or PBA fans into their stadium... or just business in Antipolo. :) Note the London one also includes British Rail.

London's underground is the world's first subway system. I think Tokyo has the most extensive mass rail network.

I remember seeing a Discovery channel thing on the new Jubilee line and they were saying something about New york having the most extensive based on total lenght, then London. but these are just anecdotes I heard from the Discovery Channel documentary.

While above ground is an eyesore, remember that it's at least double to build it underground. It's technically feasible to copy Bangkok or any where else for that matter but just be prepared to pay.

I personally like underground systems rather than elevated rails. Looks more aesthetically pleasing to a city's skyline than to have pylons upon pylons ringing the city and fencing it in like some caged animal, metaphorically speaking of course. If only Metro Manila has the money to invest in projects like the "Big Dig" in Boston a few years back wherein they dug a new highway underneath the city to replace the old elevated "Green Monster" (it was painted in green) that snakes through it. Now in place of the once elevated highway are "green spaces" or parks that the city's inhabitants can enjoy.

Do you consider this an eyesore? :)
http://img196.exs.cx/img196/7873/dsc026413ud.jpg

Do you consider this an eyesore? :)
http://img196.exs.cx/img196/7873/dsc026413ud.jpg

Yes

I wouldn't go as far as branding it an eyesore, I just prefer that they be underground rather than above, and I like an unobstructed view of structures that isn't horizontally disected by an elevated rail or highway.

Well one persons symbol of progress is another's eyesore. Of course consider spending 10% of your working life in small box hurtlling in darkness with people breathing down on you (hopefully breathe lang ginagawa nila) isn't my cup of tea too.

In Manila only line 6 or 7 (am not sure with the designation) is underground anyway.

I've always thought Tokyo was the most extensive.

The ones that are underground
http://osamuabe.ld.infoseek.co.jp/subway/maincity/tokyo/tokyoj.gif

The ones that are not underground
http://www.nigels.com/fiona/_derived/tokyo.htm_txt_JRcropped.gif

Although IMHO, it can be very confusing and tiring living in a city with such a massive railway system.

OMG!!! im sure kahit mga japanese naliligaw sa dami ng lines!!! its very extensive, sobra na nga eh :D

Do you consider this an eyesore? :)
http://img196.exs.cx/img196/7873/dsc026413ud.jpg

well.. I guess for Singapore.. its not that of an eyesore for they have built their MRT mostly on the side of the street and not at the middle... some even pass thru buildings with stations afar from the main road... so I guess its not an eyesore... plus... those above ground part of their MRT would be found outside city limits or the residential areas.... parts of their lines go underground when they enter the city (or the main CBD)... so if they were above ground in Suntec City or in Raffles Place...well... it is an eyesore plus it blocks the light from the roads and would add congestion to the streets...

so I guess I prefer underground rails than ground level or elevated rails... at least in congested areas...

I don't. And Singapore's system of dense=underground, suburbs=overhead is a brilliant idea. That is if you want you're MRT to be purely for transport purposes.

LRT1 is a bit bulkier than that, LRT2 isn't imo it's not an eyesore, combined with some greenery in open areas, yeah it wouldn't:)

^I agree...Singapore's MRT is an excellent model to follow. Underground in the CBD and commercial areas and elevated in the residential areas. Definitely not an eyesore.

Now that we have the Singapore Manila MRT comparisons, I believe that MRT3 on-ground was a silly idea, waste of space, I'd rather have it elevated fully than mostly on-ground. There would be more lines in EDSA, and intersections like this one in Pasay can be fully opened without going through certain roads which clog up. The more I thikn about it, the more MRT3 is flawed in my opinion.

well, many people asked too if MRt3 would be a roller coaster ride. The engineers said no. They simply made the line almost at 0%grade to minimize high grade climbs of the trains. What changes is EDSA's level and not the trains.

from Manila Bulletin Online (http://www.mb.com.ph/BSNS2005031830861.html)

NEDA okays $2-B MRT-7 project; DoTC can push deal


By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT

The National Economic and Development Authority’s Investment Coordinating Committee (NEDA-ICC) has approved the $2-billion MRT -7 project and directed the Department of Transportation and Communication (DoTC) to negotiate the concession agreement with the project proponent.

This was revealed by Eli Levin, managing director and chief executive officer of MRT-7 project proponent Universal LRT Corp. Ltd.

The second pass approval was granted by NEDA-ICC last March 2, Levin said.

"Negotiation of the concession agreement will reflect the position of deficit neutral for the government, the proponent shouldering the ridership risk and the national government not to pay the local real estate tax," Levin said.

According to Levin, the negotiation is expected to take up the whole month of April after which the government will advertise for a Swiss challenge.

"I am confident we are going to win this," he said.

Levin said the list of investors in the project will be finalized after the Swiss challenge. If plans push through, construction will start early next year and completion by 2009.

On the supposed conflict with the proposed MRT 4, Levin said their project does not really run in conflict with Line 4.

The MRT 4 will run from Lerma, Manila (España) to San Antonio Village, Lower Batasan, Commonwealth Quezon Avenue all the way to old Bilibid prison to connect to LRT 1 and 2.

On the other hand, MRT 7 starts from Tala, Caloocan City to North Avenue passing through Commonwealth area.

He explained, the real problem is between MRT 4 and LRT 2 because LRT 4 will compete in terms of ridership against LRT 2, which the government has invested huge capital.

In fact, Levin said, LRT 2 has an average ridership of 120,000 a day way below the projected 300,000 target because shopping trend had somehow changed in the last 10 years. Instead of Quiapo and Divisoria, shoppers have several choices of airconditioned malls.

"The government invested a billion dollars in it (LRT 2). Why should the government put competition to themselves?" Levin said.

In addition, the City of Manila had objected to MRT 4 project as early as April 2003 because the proposed elevated rail system along Espana Boulevard would have a negative effect on the area’s business environment.

The said project would run contrary to the effort of Mayor Lito Atienza to revitalize the business environment in Manila and would hamper the continued success of the "Buhayin ang Maynila" program.

This means MRT 4 from Quezon Avenue cannot connect to Quiapo.

Levin further said the supposed overlap between the MRT 4 and MRT 7 is not actually 7 kilometers but only 4.5 kilometers.

The 4.5 kilometer overlap will occur in the areas covering San Antonio Village to Lower Batasan to Quezon Memorial.

Levin said there is no problem with that because MRT 7 can provide a foundation to connect to MRT 4 in the future at the University station in UP.

"So the real conflict is not MRT 7 but MRT 4 and LRT 2," Levin noted.

Components of the ambitious $2 billion MRT 7 project include a 17-kilometer Tala access road to North Luzon Expressway; a 20-hectare anchor mixeduse real estate; intermodal bus-train station in San Jose, Del Monte; development of a "New City" in San Jose, Del Monte; a 21.5 kilometer elevated LRT from Tala to North Avenue; a 4.5 kilometer spur line connection to LRT 2 at Katipunan; and integrated joint station with MRT 3.

The MRT 7 project is projected to have an initial capacity of up to 650,000 passengers a day expandable to 850,000 with a speed of 85 kilometers per hour.

from Components of the ambitious $2 billion MRT 7 project include a 17-kilometer Tala access road to North Luzon Expressway; a 20-hectare anchor mixeduse real estate; intermodal bus-train station in San Jose, Del Monte; development of a "New City" in San Jose, Del Monte; a 21.5 kilometer elevated LRT from Tala to North Avenue; a 4.5 kilometer spur line connection to LRT 2 at Katipunan; and integrated joint station with MRT 3.

The MRT 7 project is projected to have an initial capacity of up to 650,000 passengers a day expandable to 850,000 with a speed of 85 kilometers per hour.

what does that spur line means?... how would MRT7 conflict with LRT2? LRT2 runs in Aurora Ave to Imelda Marcos Hiway, while MRT7 is on Commonwealth Ave (old DMMA).... I don't see any possibility that MRT7 would intersect LRT2.... boy.. am I confused?.... so would that mean that there would be another LRT line that will connect the proposed Tandang Sora/Luzon Ave station on Commonwealth to the Katipunan Station of LRT2....

well.. I guess if LRT2 gets extended to Cogeo.. then they may get their projected ridership....

wow thats a good news it only means that the philippines does not lag on infra. projects.

wow.. UP University station :D Am excited.

yeahh.. that seemed nice... but it will be on the Philcoa side along Commonwealth... but then.. that must be a big station... and I hope it is underground so that it won't obscure the view of Quezon Memorial... same with stations for Quezon City Hall and that stretch approaching and on the Elliptical Road

what does that spur line means?... how would MRT7 conflict with LRT2? LRT2 runs in Aurora Ave to Imelda Marcos Hiway, while MRT7 is on Commonwealth Ave (old DMMA).... I don't see any possibility that MRT7 would intersect LRT2.... boy.. am I confused?.... so would that mean that there would be another LRT line that will connect the proposed Tandang Sora/Luzon Ave station on Commonwealth to the Katipunan Station of LRT2....

well.. I guess if LRT2 gets extended to Cogeo.. then they may get their projected ridership....

the MRT-7 does not overlap or conflict with the LRT-2. hehe... when they were trying to get the MRT-7 approved, the NEDA was concerned about the MRT-7 and the MRT-4 unnecessarily overlapping each other. according to the guy from Universal MRT, the MRT-7 will not overlap the MRT-4 route, and that the real problem was the MRT-4 overlapping and competing with the LRT-2 ridership.

the spur line is just a branch line (I guess...?) connecting the MRT-7 to the LRT-2 near the east end at Katipunan Station. I think that, plus the planned extension of LRT-2 eastward, should help the LRT-2 attain its ridership target...

the MRT-7 sounds great... and it is a huge project!! haha! 650,000-850,000 passengers a day!! woah...! I hope they can work things out with the DOTC soon and then have the Swiss challenge asap so they can start construction next year as planned...

^I agree...Singapore's MRT is an excellent model to follow. Underground in the CBD and commercial areas and elevated in the residential areas. Definitely not an eyesore.

New lines recently completed and new lines to be built in the future all seem to be underground though even though they pass by residential areas.

A mix of elevated and underground sections in a rail network is good. But NO GRADE LEVEL! Its pointless. The tracks would take up precious land space. I don't get why some transport agencies love to put their light rail systems at grade level like in the US etc.

If they are on-grade, they should be something like tramways, but in our modern traffic era, I'd rather keep what tramways I have rather than built new ones. Totally agree with you.

The problem is that politicians and developers in the Philippines don't have good foresight. Everybody knows that while it is cheaper to build MRT4 at-grade the way they have, in 20 years time, the traffic-packed Epifanio De Los Santos Avenue, already at capacity today, will be even worse. They even showed a penchant for retrogression by cutting out two lanes of EDSA just to build the current MRT. Why they didn't proceed with plans to elevate it, I do not know.

Ok... this will be speculation on my part so take what I'm about to say with a grain of salt. Here's a problem with some build-operate-transfer schemes like MRT4: because the construction was privately funded, and the corporation knows it only has a thirty year lease before they have to transfer all infrastructure to the government, cost maximization needed to be performed to favor the corporation during its lease-term. If Metro Rail Transit Corp built an above-grade system, the break-even point for them would be even further in the future. It is important for the business involved to make as much money as it can in the limited time it has to operate the system.

Furthermore, because the government has to subsidize MRTC for every Peso below break-even (per BOT terms of agreement) it is also in government's interest to ensure that MRTC isn't losing money for too long. What does this mean? At grade transport on EDSA, because it is less expensive, would mean that government doesn't need to subsidize MRTC as much as it would and for as long as it would if MRT4 were above grade.

yeahh.. that seemed nice... but it will be on the Philcoa side along Commonwealth... but then.. that must be a big station... and I hope it is underground so that it won't obscure the view of Quezon Memorial... same with stations for Quezon City Hall and that stretch approaching and on the Elliptical Road

Well I hope they utilize the area now that's being used as a Amusement Park(???) on the Petron Gas station side for the Philcoa station. If not, the relative clean view of the Quezon Memorial Circle area will go to waste.

<snip>.... so would that mean that there would be another LRT line that will connect the proposed Tandang Sora/Luzon Ave station on Commonwealth to the Katipunan Station of LRT2....<snip>

The Academic Community of Katipunan Ave. i think would not like a narrowed road due to this spur line. Unless if they make it elevated in a way that it's not an eyesore. (How would the MRT-7 people do that?) :bash:

I wonder when the Philippines will have these kind of things here...
http://www.irfca.org/photos/albums/Skybus/krst3_mao.jpg
Skybus in India

Where could these kind of trains be built? Clark or Cebu perhaps?

I wonder when the Philippines will have these kind of things here...
http://www.irfca.org/photos/albums/Skybus/krst3_mao.jpg
Skybus in India

Where could these kind of trains be built? Clark or Cebu perhaps?


The only time i would want those in the philippines is when the Techonolgy of the skybus is better.. Ive been reading in the Indian forums about how the Doors don't open automatically and the interior is not that great.. i know its a prototype but yea.. i would love to see this. just improve all the Imperfections first! :D

and I think this would be good in Clark

Perhaps Baguio, somewhere mountainious. I wouldn't mind "flying" with those things:D

the question should be when will the Philippines need, or be able to acquire these things:yes:

I dont really like the skybus...maybe for tourist locations it would be good.

Anyways...good news on line 7. I hope they will still build line 4.

I dont really like the skybus...maybe for tourist locations it would be good.

Anyways...good news on line 7. I hope they will still build line 4.

That was my initial thoughts... imo it wouldn't go much far as a means of carrying something like 100,000 people.... looks something like a cable car with 3 times more capacity.

well, many people asked too if MRt3 would be a roller coaster ride. The engineers said no. They simply made the line almost at 0%grade to minimize high grade climbs of the trains. What changes is EDSA's level and not the trains.

Interesting...I would have actually prefered more "ups and downs" than a 0% grade line. That way, there would be extra lanes in EDSA when it is either fully elevated or fully underground.

yeah... especially the Buendia portion where EDSA northbound get so small and there's a bottleneck effect on traffic

Metro Manila: MRT/LRT Lines Part 1 - http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=96027
Metro Manila: MRT/LRT Lines Part 2 - http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=193651

P8.5-billion LRT-1 expansion approved
By Sandy Araneta
The Philippine Star 03/20/2005

Stalled for more than three years, a project to expand the passenger capacity of Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) was finally given the go signal.

Light Rail Transit Authority administrator Melquiades Robles recently issued a notice to proceed (NTP) to Sumitomo-Itochu Joint Venture (SJIV) after the LRTA board of directors approved the P8.5-billion capacity expansion project.

Robles issued the NTP last March 15 and gave the SJIV until the end of this month to start the project.

A loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) will finance the project.

The primary goal of the project is to increase the
capacity of LRT-1 from 27,000 to 40,000 passengers an hour per route with the addition of 48 train cars.

LRT 1 has 91 cars but only 69 are operational.

Another goal of the project is to modernize the facilities of LRT-1 in preparation for the extension of the service from Baclaran in Parañaque City to Cavite.

"All outdated materials will be replaced," Robles said.

Trains currently run from Monumento in Caloocan City to Baclaran.

The LRTA also has plans for boosting revenues from the sale of advertising spaces within train stations.

Robles had earlier said the LRTA would invite bidders for a five-year contract to oversee the sale of the advertising spaces.

"We have set a floor price of P80 million. We could get more than that compared to the P25 million annually that we have been getting," he said.

Total non-rail revenue this year is expected to reach P145 million,

Revenue from rail operations is also expected to increase to P2.8 billion this year, up 70 percent from the P1.66 billion posted in 2004.

But the revenue increases apparently won’t be enough to put the LRTA in the black.

Robles said a P10 fare increase for both Lines 1 and 2 of the LRT is necessary to pay for maturing debts, estimated at P3.4 billion this year, and rises in power costs and other overhead.

Power accounts for around 30 percent of the rail system’s operations.

Train service at LRT Lines 1 and 2 will be suspended for four days, from March 24, Maundy Thursday, to March 27, Easter Sunday.

Robles said the LRTA will take advantage of the Holy Week break to inspect and repair their facilities.

He said the suspension of the service will not have an adverse effect on transportation in Metro Manila since most residents will either stay at home or go on vacation during the four days.

Great news...but hasnt this been approved already? They should start now...it has been delayed for a long time already.

$1.2-B MRT 7 project gets Neda OK
Inquirer News Service

THE $1.2-BILLION Metro Rail Transit 7 has been cleared by the National Economic and Development Authority as one of the government's priority projects, according to Economic Planning Secretary and Neda Director General Romulo Neri. Neri said the project no longer needed the first- and second-pass approvals as Malacañang had removed these hurdles to simplify the implementation process. The Department of Transportation and Communication said it would likely conduct a Swiss challenge for the railway project by the middle of the year. All unsolicited proposals for government projects have to be subjected to a Swiss challenge wherein the original proponent is given the right to match any better offer submitted by another interested group. An unsolicited offer, however, is not qualified for any government subsidy. Universal LRT Corp. submitted an unsolicited proposal for a mass transit project from San Jose, Bulacan, to North Edsa (to link up with the MRT 3), integrating it with land transport hubs and real estate development. Sources said officials of some of MRT 7's foreign investors, French firm Alstom and German firm Siemens, as well as certain prospective Israeli investors, were in town to look into the progress of the project. "We are ready to review the contract of MRT 7. In the contract they would present to us, we must ensure that the project is deficit-neutral and that the private group takes ridership risk and other refinements to protect the government's financial position," Neri said in an interview. The consortium is building a $1.2-billion, 22-kilometer integrated transport system comprised of a mass transit railway to run from San Jose in Bulacan to North Edsa, a depot for public vehicles like jeepneys and buses, and an eight-story car park. Slated for operations by 2009, MRT 7 is expected to move between 650,000 and 800,000 passengers daily. It would have 13 elevated stations and an underground (at the Quezon City memorial circle) station. The trains would run at a speed of 85 kilometers an hour compared to MRT 3's 60 kph. The Sy family, through SM Capital and BDO Capital, is also one of the major shareholders of Universal LRT together with the Go family of Equitable PCI Bank, Penta Capital, Japanese firm Premier Gold and EL International Corp. of businessman Eli Levin. The World Bank's investment arm, International Finance Corp., had committed to take a 30-percent stake in the project. Foreign contractors like Japan's Sumitomo Corp., France's Alstom, Germany's Siemens, China's CNTIC, and EEI Corp. of the Yuchengco family are also part of the consortium.

********
Imagine ang daming foreign investors...galing!

The at grade sections of the mrt were done primarily for cost purposes and not just to keep the 0% grade.

Just a word for those who don't like the mrt, LRT 7 is led by the same guy who is the proponent to the mrt , eli levin. This guys a real operator and one who rubs a lot of people the wrong way too, that's why the mrt was delayed so much. Hopefully their designs will not be as shitty for lrt 7 as they are for mrt.

$1.2-B MRT 7 project gets Neda OK
Inquirer News Service

THE $1.2-BILLION Metro Rail Transit 7 has been cleared by the National Economic and Development Authority as one of the government's priority projects, according to Economic Planning Secretary and Neda Director General Romulo Neri. Neri said the project no longer needed the first- and second-pass approvals as Malacañang had removed these hurdles to simplify the implementation process. The Department of Transportation and Communication said it would likely conduct a Swiss challenge for the railway project by the middle of the year. All unsolicited proposals for government projects have to be subjected to a Swiss challenge wherein the original proponent is given the right to match any better offer submitted by another interested group. An unsolicited offer, however, is not qualified for any government subsidy. Universal LRT Corp. submitted an unsolicited proposal for a mass transit project from San Jose, Bulacan, to North Edsa (to link up with the MRT 3), integrating it with land transport hubs and real estate development. Sources said officials of some of MRT 7's foreign investors, French firm Alstom and German firm Siemens, as well as certain prospective Israeli investors, were in town to look into the progress of the project. "We are ready to review the contract of MRT 7. In the contract they would present to us, we must ensure that the project is deficit-neutral and that the private group takes ridership risk and other refinements to protect the government's financial position," Neri said in an interview. The consortium is building a $1.2-billion, 22-kilometer integrated transport system comprised of a mass transit railway to run from San Jose in Bulacan to North Edsa, a depot for public vehicles like jeepneys and buses, and an eight-story car park. Slated for operations by 2009, MRT 7 is expected to move between 650,000 and 800,000 passengers daily. It would have 13 elevated stations and an underground (at the Quezon City memorial circle) station. The trains would run at a speed of 85 kilometers an hour compared to MRT 3's 60 kph. The Sy family, through SM Capital and BDO Capital, is also one of the major shareholders of Universal LRT together with the Go family of Equitable PCI Bank, Penta Capital, Japanese firm Premier Gold and EL International Corp. of businessman Eli Levin. The World Bank's investment arm, International Finance Corp., had committed to take a 30-percent stake in the project. Foreign contractors like Japan's Sumitomo Corp., France's Alstom, Germany's Siemens, China's CNTIC, and EEI Corp. of the Yuchengco family are also part of the consortium.

********
Imagine ang daming foreign investors...galing!

ano ano kaya mga stations?!

let's see (my predictions sa mga stations for this line):

-San Jose Del Monte Bulacan
-Tala
-SM Fairvew (since its opening it became a transport hub that made this mall very succesfull)
-Lagro
-Fairlane/dahlia (critical area... parating traffic, daming commuters!)
-Fairview Market
-Litex/manggahan (nearest to the payatas dumpsite...one of the most depressed areas of QC... critical area.. super daming commuters!)
-Batasan (marami ding commuters from San Mateo)
-Don Antonio
-Tandang Sora
-UP/Philcoa
-QC Hall
-SM North Edsa

yeah... that's 13 stations... since araw araw akong nagcocommute through the whole stretch of commonwealth... i find these places the best locations for a station

great news... good thing the QC Memorial Circle Station will be underground. and nice to know they're finally giving the go-ahead for the LRT-1 capacity expansion project.

Just a word for those who don't like the mrt, LRT 7 is led by the same guy who is the proponent to the mrt , eli levin. This guys a real operator and one who rubs a lot of people the wrong way too, that's why the mrt was delayed so much. Hopefully their designs will not be as shitty for lrt 7 as they are for mrt.

yeah... they mentioned that the proponents of the MRT-7 are the same guys behind MRT-3. but $2-B is a lot of money so let's just hope that it'll be enough to provide for a truly world class system. hopefully something as good as the Megatren or the original plans for the MRT-3. they did have great, ambitious plans for the original MRT-3 before it got corrupted and totally scaled down into what it is now...

Well, hopefully Eli Levin saw how good line 2 is compared to line 3 that he will develop something even better:D I'm not to worried though, Siemens is the contractor for the rolling stock so its gotta be good:) And as Lance said, $1.2B is a lot so we should expect it to be modern. And there are so many investors, it should be much better than line 3. Good that it is now a priority project, finally some more progress:okay:

and whoo hoo! They are doing what we wanted - underground for QC memorial circle.

And as Lance said, $1.2B is a lot so we should expect it to be modern. And there are so many investors, it should be much better than line 3. Good that it is now a priority project, finally some more progress:okay:

oh yeah... oops!! hehe! it's $1.2B for the MRT itself. not $2B like I said in my last post. the additional $800M to total $2B should be for the mini-city at the northern end and the highway connecting to NLEX...

Man so much info... brain overload. I'll just clap, GMA's getting some delays with her MRTs/LRTs, but it's trickling :applause:

At least GMA eliminated the need for first and second pass approvals. :applause:

At least GMA eliminated the need for first and second pass approvals. :applause:

yup.. i hope that the construction would start at sometime soon..

Maybe not that soon but at least within this decade. :jk:

red tape actually turns off investors gma was very good in eliminating succeding approvals, the project and together with the northrail, the new nlex will further improve the economic enhancement of northern luzon and spread the economic activites outside the metropolitan manila area

Well, hopefully Eli Levin saw how good line 2 is compared to line 3 that he will develop something even better:D I'm not to worried though, Siemens is the contractor for the rolling stock so its gotta be good:) And as Lance said, $1.2B is a lot so we should expect it to be modern. And there are so many investors, it should be much better than line 3. Good that it is now a priority project, finally some more progress:okay:

and whoo hoo! They are doing what we wanted - underground for QC memorial circle.

IMO, like you said if we have the finances, we can build something 1000x better than MRT3. If we also have the means to decrease corruption in this project, we may square that number:D

What about the connection between MRT and LRT from North EDSA to Monumento?

Rail network P8.5-billion expansion to proceed

The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) is pushing through with its P8.5-billion capacity expansion project on March 31 after a five-year delay.

The government-owned rail operator last week issued to the Sumitomo-Itochu Joint Venture the notice to proceed for the upgrades on the 20-year old train facility.

Under the capacity expansion plan, the LRTA will acquire 12 new air-conditioned four-car trains and modern operations control devices. Additional trains are expected to increase LRT Line 1's passenger volume to 40,000 per hour per direction from the current 27,000.

The expansion also involves the purchase of additional fare collection equipment, monitors for surveillance within the stations and depot, and the enhancement of the existing signalling system.

The project was delayed due to anomalies in the bidding process as alleged by Marubeni, another Japanese company which lost during the bidding for the LRTA project.

Marubeni challenged the LRTA for rebidding, but project financier Japan Bank of International Cooperation said there was no ground to do another bidding which would just result in further delay.

The LRTA also faced financial delays due to the lack of counterpart funding amounting to P1.5 billion which will cover the project budget until 2007.

LRTA Administrator Mel Robles earlier said Congress has already allocated about P500 million in counterpart funding for the first two years. He said the balance of the fund may be sourced from internally generated funds or from domestic borrowing.

"LRTA's financial projections show that it can raise more than the amount between 2005 to 2007 not only from the fare of the riding public but also from the advertisements inside and on the trains, and on the platforms of LRT Line 1's 18 stations," the LRTA said.

The expansion project for the 16-kilometer LRT Line 1 will pave the way for the construction of the rail system's southern extension to Bacoor, Cavite.

It is part of the priority programs of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who tapped the Transportation department to help in decongesting Metro Manila.

"The President recognizes that an affordable, safe, and efficient mass transit system will boost the country's economy. As the LRT system moves people and products faster, so will the economy grow more vibrant," Mr. Robles said. -- Anna Barbara L. Lorenzo

What about the connection between MRT and LRT from North EDSA to Monumento?

Yeah I've heard news linking it with 2005... then again, it was also connected with "2004" and "2003".... gotta keep them fingers crossed still. As for LRT1, it's all good :cheers:

ano ano kaya mga stations?!

let's see (my predictions sa mga stations for this line):

-San Jose Del Monte Bulacan
-Tala
-SM Fairvew (since its opening it became a transport hub that made this mall very succesfull)
-Lagro
-Fairlane/dahlia (critical area... parating traffic, daming commuters!)
-Fairview Market
-Litex/manggahan (nearest to the payatas dumpsite...one of the most depressed areas of QC... critical area.. super daming commuters!)
-Batasan (marami ding commuters from San Mateo)
-Don Antonio
-Tandang Sora
-UP/Philcoa
-QC Hall
-SM North Edsa

yeah... that's 13 stations... since araw araw akong nagcocommute through the whole stretch of commonwealth... i find these places the best locations for a station

hmmm.. isn't 13 stations too few in a very long line like MRT7? and how far in San Jose Del Monte would this be?

my guess would be
1. SM North EDSA
2. QC Halll
3. UP/Philcoa
4. Luzon Ave/Tandang Sora
5. Don Antonio
6. Batasan Hills/COA
7. Manggahan/Litex
8. Fairview Market
9. Dahlia/Caltex/Fairview Mall
10. Regalado cor Fairview Ave.
- a station for Lagro can be put in between 10 and 11
11. SM Fairview
- the space in between is too long... they can still put at least 2 stations in between 11 and 12
12. Tala/Malaria
13. Tungko - I assume that this will be the San Jose Del Monte end of line..

well... I hope this pushes thru soon... it would be easier for me to go home to Caloocan Bukid Area when this is done... :D

Could this be also connected to the future Ayala Mall in North Triangle?

I guess that this should be... and that station must be a big one for it will be for two different lines (MRT4 and MRT7)

wow! good news there for MRT 7 pushing thru. i hope it would look nice as LRT 2 with all those foreign big names on the fray of proponents. i used to commute din sa stretch na yan ng Commonwealth from N. Fairview hanggang Makati. i had to be on the road as early as 4 para di ma late sa 6 am work. haha...kung na nonostalgic nga ako, nag jojoyride ako mag-isa from Quezon ave to SM Fairview just to see how has the place fared. :D Finally!...sana mabawasan na ang mga holdapan, kc lesser na ang tao na gagamit ng buses.

hmmm.. isn't 13 stations too few in a very long line like MRT7? and how far in San Jose Del Monte would this be?

there are 13 elevated stations plus the one underground QC Memorial Circle/QC City Hall station, so a total of 14. 22-km/14 = 1.5-km in between stations. but yeah, parang ang konti nga pa rin... maybe the stations will be spaced out more in the northern end as it is in the outskirts of the metro... who knows... haha

I wonder when Ayala is planning to start the North Triangle Mall. Universal LRT should talk to Ayala so they can coordinate plans for a truly integrated terminal. it's weird how it's not gonna be connected to SM North Edsa instead though, as SM is one of the investors of Universal LRT, dba...?

I guess that this should be... and that station must be a big one for it will be for two different lines (MRT4 and MRT7)

And also line 3, right?

isn't there a plan to build a subway along ayala avenue?

^I think it has been cancelled because someone said that they closed off the connection in Ayala MRT 3 station.

Well LRT2 has 13 stations, or something around that. Same goes for MRT3.

Well LRT2 has 13 stations, or something around that. Same goes for MRT3.

well, ummm, the LRT-2 is only 13km long. and according to UrbanRail.net, the MRT-3 currently has 13 stations over its 16.8km route. compared to the MRT-7, I guess the distance between each stop on these older lines are shorter. I believe the LRT-1 has even more stations for its length...

Let's do the calculations shall we

LRT1 15kms 18 stations. Ratio 0.83:1
LRT2 13.8kms 11 stations. Ratio 1.245:1
MRT3 16.4kms 13 stations. Ratio 1.26:1

I got these here info from urbanrail, correct me if I'm wrong s.v.p.
MRT4 22.6kms 20 stations. Ratio 1.13:1

nice calculations there... hmmm.. so MRT4 has 20 stations huh.. and how many of these would interconnect with MRT7 stations?

thanks for the calculations, renell...!!

looks like the LRT-1 has the most stations for it's length and the MRT-7 (1.57-km) has the least, out of the five lines... I wonder why the LRT-1 needed so many stations. and it's pretty funny. I remember looking down Taft Ave. from the car once and you could see the previous and next stations cause they were pretty close... haha!

i guess...when they opened LRT1 (a really long long time ago), they probably didn't really plan how demanding it would be.... i guess now that they have alot of info...they can just target the busiest areas.... well hopefully that's what they're doing :)

all of this would be great, so nice to picture

The farther the train goes into the suburbs the less stations due to less density, the more it runs in the dense part of the city , the more stations specially if it a cross line which connects to so many other lines (trains,bus or jeepney)

thanks for the calculations, renell...!!

looks like the LRT-1 has the most stations for it's length and the MRT-7 (1.57-km) has the least, out of the five lines... I wonder why the LRT-1 needed so many stations. and it's pretty funny. I remember looking down Taft Ave. from the car once and you could see the previous and next stations cause they were pretty close... haha!

this is because they put the LRT station in all busy intersections along taft avenue and they are not far away from one another unlike in EDSA.

The farther the train goes into the suburbs the less stations due to less density, the more it runs in the dense part of the city , the more stations specially if it a cross line which connects to so many other lines (trains,bus or jeepney)

Exactly...Line 1 has a lot of stations because it goes through some of the densest areas of Metro Manila.

hmmm.. isn't 13 stations too few in a very long line like MRT7? and how far in San Jose Del Monte would this be?

my guess would be
1. SM North EDSA
2. QC Halll
3. UP/Philcoa
4. Luzon Ave/Tandang Sora
5. Don Antonio
6. Batasan Hills/COA
7. Manggahan/Litex
8. Fairview Market
9. Dahlia/Caltex/Fairview Mall
10. Regalado cor Fairview Ave.
- a station for Lagro can be put in between 10 and 11
11. SM Fairview
- the space in between is too long... they can still put at least 2 stations in between 11 and 12
12. Tala/Malaria
13. Tungko - I assume that this will be the San Jose Del Monte end of line..

well... I hope this pushes thru soon... it would be easier for me to go home to Caloocan Bukid Area when this is done... :D

hmmm.... there is another conflict... if it runs through regalado how will the train turn towards tala if regalado cor. quirino highway is a 90 degree turn? pano un? gigibain nila ung part ng SM para maka-turn ung train? ang sharp ng turn na un...

http://img167.exs.cx/img167/7946/lrtext5of.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)
Is this Roxas BLVD.?

It will take a long time before this project is constructed. They first have to complete that capacity expansion project in order for it to be extended to Cavite. Three years delay just for the capacity expansion, so that means there could be a posibility that the extention be re-bidded and SNC-LAVALIN won't take part in it, adding a few more years to the delay.

The Study was completed in 1999, here we are in 2005 and it has yet to be constructed :sleepy: :sleepy: :sleepy:

I was searching around Google and i came across this

SUBWAY PROPOSAL UNDER PASIG
It was some Fil-Am engineers proposal for a subway that would run along the pasig river

http://www.geocities.com/dapat_tapatt/subwayunderpasig.html

There is also some interesting tidbits.. Like when the MRT-3 was envisioned there were proposals to put in 16 Storey Skyscrapers on it

http://img167.exs.cx/img167/7946/lrtext5of.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)
Is this Roxas BLVD.?

It will take a long time before this project is constructed. They first have to complete that capacity expansion project in order for it to be extended to Cavite. Three years delay just for the capacity expansion, so that means there could be a posibility that the extention be re-bidded and SNC-LAVALIN won't take part in it, adding a few more years to the delay.

The Study was completed in 1999, here we are in 2005 and it has yet to be constructed :sleepy: :sleepy: :sleepy:


shucks. when magagawa tong project na to... :bash:

http://img167.exs.cx/img167/7946/lrtext5of.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)
Is this Roxas BLVD.?

It will take a long time before this project is constructed. They first have to complete that capacity expansion project in order for it to be extended to Cavite. Three years delay just for the capacity expansion, so that means there could be a posibility that the extention be re-bidded and SNC-LAVALIN won't take part in it, adding a few more years to the delay.

The Study was completed in 1999, here we are in 2005 and it has yet to be constructed :sleepy: :sleepy: :sleepy:


yes, it is. Actually, that pic is near the Coastal Mall, roxas cross-streets

I was searching around Google and i came across this

SUBWAY PROPOSAL UNDER PASIG
It was some Fil-Am engineers proposal for a subway that would run along the pasig river

http://www.geocities.com/dapat_tapatt/subwayunderpasig.html

There is also some interesting tidbits.. Like when the MRT-3 was envisioned there were proposals to put in 16 Storey Skyscrapers on it

i read them all, sounds cool.. if that gets constructed, i hope the trains and the stations would look something like these[some sf trains]...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/naughtyins0mniac/manila/2f7a230e.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/naughtyins0mniac/manila/780241d0.jpg
copyright © 2005, naughtyins0mniac

At last! Government gives go-signal for P8.5-B LRT-1 expansion project (http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200503300703.htm). I hope they finished it on time. :)

Good news indeed! Although, my fingers shall remain crossed. :D

Well.. there's all this techincal and political jargon before associated with LRT1's extensions.

But the article says "It’s all systems go for the planned construction of the P8.5-billion ($156.2 million) Light Rail Transit-1 expansion project as the government has given the winning bidder the go-signal to start the project."

Like kiretoce it's fingers crossed if it really is the real deal

http://img167.exs.cx/img167/7946/lrtext5of.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)
Is this Roxas BLVD.?

It will take a long time before this project is constructed. They first have to complete that capacity expansion project in order for it to be extended to Cavite. Three years delay just for the capacity expansion, so that means there could be a posibility that the extention be re-bidded and SNC-LAVALIN won't take part in it, adding a few more years to the delay.

The Study was completed in 1999, here we are in 2005 and it has yet to be constructed :sleepy: :sleepy: :sleepy:

hey man, i found this map, look at Photo D, it's similar to the one you posted
http://www.lrta.gov.ph/projects/photos/Line1_SouthExt/Line1_SouthExt_01.jpg

hey man, i found this map, look at Photo D, it's similar to the one you posted

hey, yeah... haha! I didn't notice that. I think it is the same rendering, except smaller.

I don't like how they designed it to have the overhead railways at the edge of Manila Bay though. they should put it on the center island or something instead... so it doesn't block the view of the bay from the road. I think it'd pretty awesome from up in the LRT if they built it like the rendering though! haha!!

Hmm.... yeah that's true regarding the center island positioning of the LRT. But if you look at it, you're only gonna see the reclaimed land. When it reaches to the unclaimed land of Manila Bay, it goes quite further inland.

At least at some point there appears a view of Manila Bay and the stunning sunset.

renell is right, LRT 1 extention wont affect the view of Manila Bay to much since it is only along Roxas Blvd where there is reclaimed land.

some bad news...

Japan donor threatens to pull out loan for railway upgrade project

The Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC) has warned that further delay on the capacity expansion of the railway network would lead to the cancellation of the project loan.

"We cannot be held more accountable to the Japanese taxpayers on the usage of ODA [official development assistance] funds when these cannot be effectively and efficiently utilized for the project due to the extraordinary delays as those encountered under this project," said Osamu Murata, JBIC chief representative for the Philippines.

The JBIC is funding 85% of the P8.7-million capacity expansion of the railway project through the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA). It has already released 10% of the funding under a 20-month disbursement schedule.

The capacity expansion project, which involves acquisition of 12 four-car trains for the LRT-Line 1, has been delayed for five years. Causes of delay include the request of losing bidder Marubeni Corp. to rebid the project, which it lost to a fellow Japanese construction firm, Sumitomo Itochu. Mr. Murata said another 10-month delay would mean the cancellation of the entire JBIC loan, leaving the government with no means to fund the expansion.

The rail network needs to be expanded, which also involves modernizing equipment, to pave the way for the southern extension of the train network to Cavite. The extension is part of the current administration's agenda to decongest traffic in Metro Manila.

The LRTA board on March 15 cleared Sumitomo Itochu to proceed with the project, giving the company 15 days to start.

LRTA administrator Mel Robles assured the capacity expansion actually started on March 30.

"Sumitomo has started mobilization. It already sent consultants to the site when the expansion kicked off," Mr. Robles said in an interview.

He added that nothing can stop the expansion anymore, except if the Supreme Court intervenes.

Mr. Robles said the March 18 letter of Transport Undersecretary for Rail Guiling Mamondiong, who told the LRTA not to proceed with the project, has no bearing since the board had already cleared Sumitomo.

Mr. Mamondiong is chairman of the LRTA board. -- Anna Barbara L. Lorenzo

I hope JBIC won't cancel the loan or else the project will be delayed again (and again).

Nakakatuwa ang mga developments! An efficient transportation system is really key to progress!

hey guys, heres an update on MRT-7

San Jose del Monte City officials support MRT 7

The Philippine Star 04/14/2005

Officials of San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan declared yesterday their full support for the MRT (Metro Rail Transit) 7 project.

Mayor Angelito Sarmiento, together with Vice Mayor Rey San Pedro and the city councilors, hailed the project’s integrated approach toward transportation and urban development.

In particular, Sarmiento welcomed the project’s property development component which will be located on a 194-hectare property in the city.

The MRT 7 project is a 21.5-kilometer rail project running from Tala in Caloocan City to San Jose del Monte City, passing through Commonwealth to North Avenue, EDSA and to the Marilao exit of the North Luzon Expressway.

The proposed property development component includes middle-income housing (medium to high-rise residences), a shopping mall to be built by the SM Group, and other amenities like schools, hospitals and recreational facilities.

This new city will be built on the old Manila Bank property in San Jose del Monte.

hey... it will pass through the Marilao exit of the NLEX?.... how is that so?.... I can't picture how that would be.... or is the Marilao exit it is saying is the new highway to SJDM City?

hey... it will pass through the Marilao exit of the NLEX?.... how is that so?.... I can't picture how that would be.... or is the Marilao exit it is saying is the new highway to SJDM City?

yeah... I was wondering too. maybe they're talking about the 17-km highway that'll connect the NLEX to the terminal in the new city. the never mentioned the MRT itself going through the NLEX before...

anyway, umm... I just saw this on the LRTA website now.

LRT set to bid out Ad Spaces
Source: The Philippine Star METRO, Saturday, 09 April 2005
Author: Sandy Araneta

The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) is set to bid out this month advertising spaces for both inside and outside the coaches and stations of Light Rail Transit (LRT) Lines 1 and 2 in an effort to generate much-needed funds.

In an interview, LRTA Administrator Melquiades Robles said that they would be able to generate some P80 million in revenues for the LRTA from these as spaces.

Robles said the bidding shall take place at the LRTA office along Aurora Boulevard in Pasay City.

Line 1 is a 15-kilometer railway system while Line 2 is a 13.8-kilometer mass transit line that traverses five cities in Metro Manila, namely, Pasig, Marikina, Quezon City, San Juan and Manila, along the thoroughfares of Marcos Highway, Aurora Boulevard, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, Legarda and Recto Avenue.

Robles said they are expecting major companies to submit their respective bids as the LRT can serve as a rolling advertisement, giving maximum exposure for possible advertisers.

He said they have been looking for ways to generate income for the LRT, which would be used to facilitate its maintenance and pay obligations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
noooo...!!! they're covering up the nice, new Megatren!! oh well... we'll see. I hope they don't turn out too bad.

I don't know if it'll be any effective, say compared to the MRT3. Line 3 is on grade most of the time, and EDSA traffic helps publicity too. LRT2 isn't..... but what I find suprising is that it's only until now they're advertising inside the coaches.....

Perhaps they will use the glass panels and not cover the entire body of the train similar to the ones I have seen here in Vegas on our buses and the monorail.

You mean..... translucent advertising? I'm not too sure if I prefer that over the ones done on MRT3. I still want to see where I'm passing by with a clean window.

You mean..... translucent advertising? I'm not too sure if I prefer that over the ones done on MRT3. I still want to see where I'm passing by with a clean window.

I really dont care what you prefer anyway!!

That's just too bad really.

If you're gonna be a dickhead do it somewhere else.

Japan fumes as generals retreat
Posted: 0:15 AM | Apr. 15, 2005

Victor Agustin
Inquirer News Service
AFTER voting yes, the two ex-generals heading the Department of Transportation and Communication (DoTC) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have withdrawn their approvals of the expansion of Line 1 of Metro Manila's overhead Light Rail Transit, prompting the Japanese financier to break protocol to express frustration over the "long and meaningless delay" in the 19-billion-yen project.
"As I have pointed out earlier, this project has extraordinarily and needlessly [been] delayed for the past several years," Osamu Murata, Philippine representative of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JIBC), said in a March 31 letter to Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.
"Sad to say, this project had already reached a point where JBIC can not anymore be held accountable to the Japanese taxpayers for the long and meaningless delay," Murata said.
Ebdane and his counterpart in the DoTC, Leandro Mendoza, had earlier ordered their respective representatives in the board of the Light Rail Transit Authority to withdraw their approvals to proceed with the award of the second bidding, amid reports that the Ombudsman was investigating it.
But the JBIC official denied any irregularities in the bidding process, which saw first-bidding winner Marubeni lose to another Japanese consortium, Sumitomo-Itochu, in the second bidding.
"JBIC had found nothing wrong with the bidding process as we have been involved in the various steps of the procurement process," Murata said.
The JBIC official has also written Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, urging the former chairman of the auditing firm of SGV & Co. to "take strong and prompt leadership" to break the impasse, in view of the September 2006 loan closing date.
Even the congressmen are getting in on the action.
On Monday, the House of Representatives committee on good government, chaired by Lakas Representative Arthur Defensor and backed by Representatives Danilo Suarez and Monico Puentevella, will hold a hearing on the project, after another hearing last month was conducted by Representative Augusto Baculio, chairman of the House committee on railways and roll-on, roll-off transport.
Funded by the concessional Obuchi Fund, the LRT 1 expansion project will acquire 12 new four-car trains, construct a crossover bridge that will connect the station on Doroteo Jose Street in manila with the new LRT station at the corner of Claro M. Recto Avenue and Rizal Avenue in Manila, install system-wide closed circuit television, and upgrade electrical and electronic communication network for the entire line.
Mendoza gets Supreme Court clearance
LAWYER Estelito Mendoza, who was solicitor general under Ferdinand Marcos, may continue representing tobacco tycoon Lucio Tan and his Allied Bank Corp. in the cases of sequestration of Marcos' ill-gotten wealth.
The Supreme Court en banc threw out an appeal by the Presidential Commission on Good Government asking that Mendoza, who has also been counsel for Joseph Estrada, be disqualified on grounds that he had "actively intervened" as counsel of the defunct Central Bank of the Philippines in the liquidation of General Bank during the martial law years under Marcos.
Tan's Allied Bank later bid for and acquired the failed GenBank.
"There is no charge against Mendoza that he advised the Central Bank on how to liquidate GenBank with an eye to later defending Tan, et al. of Allied Bank," the Supreme Court said.
It also noted that the Code of Professional Responsibility, which prohibits even "congruent-interest conflict," was adopted in 1988, two years after Mendoza stepped down as solicitor general.
Two Supreme Court justices, Carpio-Morales and Callejo, issued dissenting opinions, while Tinga and Sandoval-Gutierrez issued separate concurring opinions. Two other justices, Azcuna (ex-PCGG) and Chico-Nazario (formerly of the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court), abstained.
The lengthy Supreme Court decision, written by Justice Puno, is in itself an academic treatise on the history of the legal profession's code of ethics and how it applies to former government lawyers.
Back to law books
CABANATUAN CITY Regional Trial Court Judge Tomas Talavera has been fined P21,000 by the Supreme Court for gross ignorance of the law, upon the complaint of the Community Rural Bank of Guimba.
Talavera, without notifying the complainant rural bank, granted the assistant provincial prosecutor's motion for reinvestigation, and "effectively demolished" the Department of Justice's power and supervision over government prosecutors since then-secretary of justice Serafin Cuevas had already denied the petition for review filed by the accused, the Supreme Court said.
The prosecutor, Virgilio Caballero, subsequently reversed the previous fiscal's findings and, upon the judge's approval and without notifying the rural bank or its COO Olga Samson, withdrew the "estafa" [swindling] cases despite the judge already having previously issued warrants of arrest, no bail set, for the several accused.
Heard through the grapevine
THE Philippine Stock Exchange, in a break from tradition, is considering making the hitherto honorary position of chairman a salaried office upon the "request" of the present occupant, banker Peter Favila.
The planned additional expenditure is on top of the P7 million a year the PSE allocates for its full-time president, lawyer Francis Lim.
E-mail: cocktales_pdi@pldtdsl.net or cocktales_pdi@yahoo.com

You mean..... translucent advertising? I'm not too sure if I prefer that over the ones done on MRT3. I still want to see where I'm passing by with a clean window.

I think you can still see through the windows with the advertising on them. I dunno how they do it or what material they use (I guess it's the transparent thing jbkayaker is talking about), but I do remember seeing them before. specifically on the BKK Skytrain. I was inside and you could see out of the trains through the windows but some trains had all these little tiny black dots on the insides of the window (you don't see the dots unless your sitting right beside the glass). I didn't know what they were until I realized it was the advertising that some coaches had on the outside... haha!

...construct a crossover bridge that will connect the station on Doroteo Jose Street in manila with the new LRT station at the corner of Claro M. Recto Avenue and Rizal Avenue in Manila...

umm, does that mean there'll be an interchange between LRT-1 and LRT-2???? sweeeeet!! approve the project now before they cancel the loan!!! 'ay nako... I just hope that once they finally approve this, there will be absolutely no anomalies whatsoever - given the long delays already...

I thought there's already something planned to connect Lines 1 and 2?:?

I thought there's already something planned to connect Lines 1 and 2?:?

the walkway is there already (or I think its already operational) but what is lacking is the overhead pedestrian bridge to cross from the northbound side towards the southbound side of LRT Line 1.

Japan fumes as generals retreat
Posted: 0:15 AM | Apr. 15, 2005

Victor Agustin
Inquirer News Service
AFTER voting yes, the two ex-generals heading the Department of Transportation and Communication (DoTC) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have withdrawn their approvals of the expansion of Line 1 of Metro Manila's overhead Light Rail Transit, prompting the Japanese financier to break protocol to express frustration over the "long and meaningless delay" in the 19-billion-yen project.
"As I have pointed out earlier, this project has extraordinarily and needlessly [been] delayed for the past several years," Osamu Murata, Philippine representative of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JIBC), said in a March 31 letter to Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.
"Sad to say, this project had already reached a point where JBIC can not anymore be held accountable to the Japanese taxpayers for the long and meaningless delay," Murata said.
Ebdane and his counterpart in the DoTC, Leandro Mendoza, had earlier ordered their respective representatives in the board of the Light Rail Transit Authority to withdraw their approvals to proceed with the award of the second bidding, amid reports that the Ombudsman was investigating it.
But the JBIC official denied any irregularities in the bidding process, which saw first-bidding winner Marubeni lose to another Japanese consortium, Sumitomo-Itochu, in the second bidding.
"JBIC had found nothing wrong with the bidding process as we have been involved in the various steps of the procurement process," Murata said.
The JBIC official has also written Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, urging the former chairman of the auditing firm of SGV & Co. to "take strong and prompt leadership" to break the impasse, in view of the September 2006 loan closing date.
Even the congressmen are getting in on the action.
On Monday, the House of Representatives committee on good government, chaired by Lakas Representative Arthur Defensor and backed by Representatives Danilo Suarez and Monico Puentevella, will hold a hearing on the project, after another hearing last month was conducted by Representative Augusto Baculio, chairman of the House committee on railways and roll-on, roll-off transport.
Funded by the concessional Obuchi Fund, the LRT 1 expansion project will acquire 12 new four-car trains, construct a crossover bridge that will connect the station on Doroteo Jose Street in manila with the new LRT station at the corner of Claro M. Recto Avenue and Rizal Avenue in Manila, install system-wide closed circuit television, and upgrade electrical and electronic communication network for the entire line.
Mendoza gets Supreme Court clearance
LAWYER Estelito Mendoza, who was solicitor general under Ferdinand Marcos, may continue representing tobacco tycoon Lucio Tan and his Allied Bank Corp. in the cases of sequestration of Marcos' ill-gotten wealth.
The Supreme Court en banc threw out an appeal by the Presidential Commission on Good Government asking that Mendoza, who has also been counsel for Joseph Estrada, be disqualified on grounds that he had "actively intervened" as counsel of the defunct Central Bank of the Philippines in the liquidation of General Bank during the martial law years under Marcos.
Tan's Allied Bank later bid for and acquired the failed GenBank.
"There is no charge against Mendoza that he advised the Central Bank on how to liquidate GenBank with an eye to later defending Tan, et al. of Allied Bank," the Supreme Court said.
It also noted that the Code of Professional Responsibility, which prohibits even "congruent-interest conflict," was adopted in 1988, two years after Mendoza stepped down as solicitor general.
Two Supreme Court justices, Carpio-Morales and Callejo, issued dissenting opinions, while Tinga and Sandoval-Gutierrez issued separate concurring opinions. Two other justices, Azcuna (ex-PCGG) and Chico-Nazario (formerly of the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court), abstained.
The lengthy Supreme Court decision, written by Justice Puno, is in itself an academic treatise on the history of the legal profession's code of ethics and how it applies to former government lawyers.
Back to law books
CABANATUAN CITY Regional Trial Court Judge Tomas Talavera has been fined P21,000 by the Supreme Court for gross ignorance of the law, upon the complaint of the Community Rural Bank of Guimba.
Talavera, without notifying the complainant rural bank, granted the assistant provincial prosecutor's motion for reinvestigation, and "effectively demolished" the Department of Justice's power and supervision over government prosecutors since then-secretary of justice Serafin Cuevas had already denied the petition for review filed by the accused, the Supreme Court said.
The prosecutor, Virgilio Caballero, subsequently reversed the previous fiscal's findings and, upon the judge's approval and without notifying the rural bank or its COO Olga Samson, withdrew the "estafa" [swindling] cases despite the judge already having previously issued warrants of arrest, no bail set, for the several accused.
Heard through the grapevine
THE Philippine Stock Exchange, in a break from tradition, is considering making the hitherto honorary position of chairman a salaried office upon the "request" of the present occupant, banker Peter Favila.
The planned additional expenditure is on top of the P7 million a year the PSE allocates for its full-time president, lawyer Francis Lim.
E-mail: cocktales_pdi@pldtdsl.net or cocktales_pdi@yahoo.com

So what does this mean? THe LRT extension by SNC Lavalin won't be built at all now?

So what does this mean? THe LRT extension by SNC Lavalin won't be built at all now?

pushing-through of the LRT-1 Expansion is one of the pre-requisites of JBIC for the loan of the LRT-1 Extension :bash:

pushing-through of the LRT-1 Expansion is one of the pre-requisites of JBIC for the loan of the LRT-1 Extension :bash:

It will be built but the financing will not come from JBIC anymore.

i hope that they get the additional trains soon..

MRT consortium eyes purchase of additional trains
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña
The Philippine Star 04/19/2005

Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC) is eyeing the acquisition of more trains for the railway system that runs along the entire stretch of EDSA, a move intended to ensure better train maintenance and the safety of the riding public.

The MRTC consortium, which operates the MRT-3 railway system, consists mainly of the Fil-Estate Group, Anglo-Philippine Holdings Corp., Railco Investments, Sheridan LRT Holdings and DBH Inc., which together hold 77 percent of total stock.

Fil-Estate chairman Robert John Sobrepeña said the consortium’s priority at this time is the purchase of additional trains, rather than bidding for the second phase of the MRT-3. He said the MRT needs about 24 to 48 more trains as its ridership has already reached its full capacity 400,000 a day.

Sobrepeña said that there are even days when the MRT carries as much as 480,000 passengers a day.

"We already made a letter to the Department of Transportation and Communications. The government is studying it now. We are worried about the maintenance and availability of the trains," Sobrepeña said.

He said the government can "order the trains themselves or the MRTC can order it with them."

MRT-3 general manager Roberto Lastimoso said earlier that the railway system currently earns an average of P120 million a month, which is still not enough to cover its monthly debt servicing and operating expenses.

The MRT consortium had sought a meeting with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other concerned government agencies to discuss measures to adopt in fasttracking the development of the second phase of the railway project, which would extend the railway from North Avenue to Monumento and connecting with the light railway transit plying the Monumento-Baclaran route.

The DOTC had ruled that Phase 2 of the MRT-3 project should be subjected to a Swiss challenge or a bidding process. A Swiss challenge is a mechanism that allows other interested entities to submit offers that are better than that of the original proponent. The current operator, however, is allowed to adjust its proposal to beat that of the lowest bidder.

But the MRTC said it should be allowed to build the extension of the MRT-3 because this was part of the supplemental agreement it had entered into with the DOTC in 1999.

The DOJ however, came out with a ruling that the supplemental agreement entered by the MRTC and DOTC for the construction of the extension project had already lapsed. For this reason, the MRT Phase 2 project had to be subject to another public bidding.

^ Oh for God's sake built that MRT 3 phase II already! Swiss challenge this and that, they should just have a contract signed ages ago including deadlines, fees, etc and be done with it. Isn't there no barrier in the end of the current MRT3 Line in Quezon City so some fool can accidentally drive the train towards it and come crashing down the street?

Well it'll come crashing down the street, but without the overhead power it'll stop, if it's still intact;)

i hope that they get the additional trains soon..

MRT consortium eyes purchase of additional trains
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña
The Philippine Star 04/19/2005

Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC) is eyeing the acquisition of more trains for the railway system that runs along the entire stretch of EDSA, a move intended to ensure better train maintenance and the safety of the riding public.

The MRTC consortium, which operates the MRT-3 railway system, consists mainly of the Fil-Estate Group, Anglo-Philippine Holdings Corp., Railco Investments, Sheridan LRT Holdings and DBH Inc., which together hold 77 percent of total stock.

Fil-Estate chairman Robert John Sobrepeña said the consortium’s priority at this time is the purchase of additional trains, rather than bidding for the second phase of the MRT-3. He said the MRT needs about 24 to 48 more trains as its ridership has already reached its full capacity 400,000 a day.

Sobrepeña said that there are even days when the MRT carries as much as 480,000 passengers a day.

"We already made a letter to the Department of Transportation and Communications. The government is studying it now. We are worried about the maintenance and availability of the trains," Sobrepeña said.

He said the government can "order the trains themselves or the MRTC can order it with them."

MRT-3 general manager Roberto Lastimoso said earlier that the railway system currently earns an average of P120 million a month, which is still not enough to cover its monthly debt servicing and operating expenses.

The MRT consortium had sought a meeting with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other concerned government agencies to discuss measures to adopt in fasttracking the development of the second phase of the railway project, which would extend the railway from North Avenue to Monumento and connecting with the light railway transit plying the Monumento-Baclaran route.

The DOTC had ruled that Phase 2 of the MRT-3 project should be subjected to a Swiss challenge or a bidding process. A Swiss challenge is a mechanism that allows other interested entities to submit offers that are better than that of the original proponent. The current operator, however, is allowed to adjust its proposal to beat that of the lowest bidder.

But the MRTC said it should be allowed to build the extension of the MRT-3 because this was part of the supplemental agreement it had entered into with the DOTC in 1999.

The DOJ however, came out with a ruling that the supplemental agreement entered by the MRTC and DOTC for the construction of the extension project had already lapsed. For this reason, the MRT Phase 2 project had to be subject to another public bidding.

I remeber before during ERAP time that they proposed this due to the projected demand in ridership, ERAP unfortunately turned it down. Look now, puno na trains... dapat 4-car trains instead na 3....

From http://www.lrta.gov.ph/system_links.htm

The Missing Links: Now a Reality

Smooth flowing interconnectivity and accessibility towards the different modes of transportation best describes the way how travelling is today via the existing LRT/MRT lines. In places where trains intersect with other lines (e.g., EDSA-Taft, MRT 2 Araneta Cubao - MRT 3 Cubao and Recto-Doroteo Jose Stations) the provision of appropriate linkages is of primary importance the reason why these pedestrian linkages were made possible for the benefit of the riding public.

At EDSA-Taft, a footbridge and pedestrian walkway linking the LRT and MRT stations was opened in March 2003 to facilitate a hassle-free passenger interchange. The pedestrian link connecting LRT-EDSA to MRT-EDSA located outside the Metropoint Shopping Mall allows transferring passengers the option of another access to the two (2) LRT/MRT systems via the streets below. Aside from this, an overpass walkway has been built to allow passengers alighting at the west platform of EDSA station to transfer to the east side in going to the MRT-3 without having to go down the station. With these facilities, safety, security and mobility is assured.

Similar structures connecting Line 2 with Line 3 and the Recto elevated walkway linking MRT-2 Recto Station with Doroteo Jose Station of the LRT Line 1 System are now operational.

holy sweeeet!! thanks for putting that up and welcome to the forums, jun_of...! the new walkways look awesome! astig talaga! especially the one at Araneta-Cubao... definitely a billion times better than the connection between LRT-1 and MRT-3! all the bridges are bright and open with lots of light and everything! awesome!!

I cannot wait to go home this July to joyride around Manila on the Megatren!! this just makes the wait even longer than it already is... ahh... haha!

they finally updated the LRTA website too... after a couple months already.

Oh good...new trains:) But they really need to finish the last phase of line 3. Its been delayed too long.

LRT1-LRT2 walkway pics needed:D

Having said that, it's good we can avoid the streets should we need a transfer. It's much faster, less hassle going up and down.

what...?! hahaha!! didn't you guys click on the link to the LRTA article?? here you go...

LRT-1 and MRT-2

http://img210.echo.cx/img210/9288/18at.jpg
Elevated walkway connecting the Yellow Line and Purple Line

captions (by row, L-R)
[1] Recto elevated walkway as seen from afar.
[2] Temporary stairway connected to the east side of D.Jose Station
[3] Translucent roofing provide ample lighting for passengers
[4] Guards manning inspection area at an entrance to Recto Station

http://img210.echo.cx/img210/7931/20fr.jpg http://img248.echo.cx/img248/4762/59di.jpg http://img210.echo.cx/img210/9541/37wh.jpg http://img210.echo.cx/img210/2009/42cz.jpg

MRT-2 and MRT-3

captions (by row, L-R)
[1] Purple Line and Blue Line elevated walkway connecting Araneta Center - Cubao Station to Cubao Station of Line 3 passing through Araneta Coliseum and New Farmers Plaza
[2] A portion of the Gateway link connecting Farmer's Plaza to Araneta Coliseum
[3] Elevated walkway right beside the Araneta Coliseum
[4] Entrance to Araneta-Cubao Station of Line 2 from Gateway Mall

http://img210.echo.cx/img210/2100/19pg1.jpg http://img210.echo.cx/img210/6246/21if.jpg http://img158.echo.cx/img158/2023/36rw.jpg http://img158.echo.cx/img158/6318/49sh.jpg

pictures/captions - LRTA|The Missing Links: Now A Reality (http://www.lrta.gov.ph/system_links.htm)
img hosting - imageshack.ws (http://www.imageshack.ws)

wow... those walkways.. look nice in the pictures... coz that walkway in EDSA stations actually doesn't look as clean as that....

wow... those walkways.. look nice in the pictures... coz that walkway in EDSA stations actually doesn't look as clean as that....

haha! what do you mean...? like which walkway? the one that connects MRT-3 to MRT-2 going through Araneta Center?

..... I would think the Araneta link would be heaps nice, since it goes through numerous malls doesn't it?

It could be the Line's 1 and 3 link. I haven't heard good things about it, and photos as well:D

absent-minded is today's hero. :yes:

ay.. mali!... I was thinking of a different footbridge.. hehehe... the LRT1 and MRT3 connection in EDSA....

kaya pala iba ang itsura... :D

When I was in Manila last month, I had the chance to ride the new LRT2, from the Gateway Mall to Recto and back. I was impressed. It was air conditioned, clean, and had a smooth ride. Nice way to go sightseeing. I'd say it's up there with the best systems of its kind in the world. Too bad we didn't have time, I would have liked to circle Manila by taking LRT1, then MRT2 back to Cubao. Maybe next time.

Here are some pics I took. No, I was not in either picture :) .

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid162/p20eb94d392514c32913f2715cccfba9b/f4b31124.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid162/p633977dc1c52841f75a15fc664caacc8/f4b3111e.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid162/pbdc05dcbc71074aac70e787f8c60b2ca/f4b31117.jpg

man, they obviously took details carefully in the construction of the stations, they even put a central island:D Perfect example of how our projects can be successful and ON TIME. I need no examples, everyone knows.

But it's good of you to take pics mr. jun, it's a rare occasion in LRT2 I'm told:)

Thanks, Lance! The connection bridges look very nice, actually:) Looks like its quite a long walk from MRT 3 to MRT 2 in Araneta Center...

yeah, thanks jun. Looks like your pics are very open...didnt the guard see you?

It says on the east side of Doroteo Jose there's a temporary steel walkway. Will that be replaced soon? thanks

haha! buti pa si jun of... nakatakas sa mga guards LOL! those are good pix, by the way. thanks for sharing.

those walkways--ang linis tsaka simple lang. kahit hindi fancy, basta malinis ok na :)

But it's good of you to take pics mr. jun, it's a rare occasion in LRT2 I'm told:)
Yeah, I read about those mean guards before. Good thing I had a pocket size camera with me, and made sure no guards were around when I took those pics.

Wow, the LRT/MRT links are finally complete! Now I can take a joyride! :)

I find the walkway connecting Gateway and Farmers incomplete looking because the floor is not tiled, but the roof is nice anyway.

ang galing nman ni mr. jun. nice pics po.

thanks for those shots, jun! it's been quite some time since our last batch of pics. haha... I hope I'll be able to get a couple shots too next time I get to go on the MRT-2...

the Megatren project is truly awesome, and so I just really hope the LRTA maintains it properly...

@jun_of - were the stations and trains still nice and clean when you were there? btw, were there a lot of passengers?

absent-minded is today's hero. :yes:Thanks, Lance! The connection bridges look very nice, actually:) Looks like its quite a long walk from MRT 3 to MRT 2 in Araneta Center... hehehe! no problem...!

ay.. mali!... I was thinking of a different footbridge.. hehehe... the LRT1 and MRT3 connection in EDSA....

kaya pala iba ang itsura... :D haha! yeah... compared to these walkway connections, the LRT1-MRT3 walkway could be considered unacceptable...

It says on the east side of Doroteo Jose there's a temporary steel walkway. Will that be replaced soon? thanks yeah, I believe the temporary steel portion is the blue steel stairs that are seen in pic. 2 of the LRT-1/MRT-2 connection. so it's just the stairway connecting the east entrance of D. Jose Station to the concrete walkway that's missing. maybe they still have to figure out how to build that part since the D. Jose entrance is a bit lower than the walkway... haha...

Studies from North American transit systems show that ridership forecasts for any rapid transit system looses its appeal because of transfers(I can't remember the actual numbers). How long does it typically take to walk from one line to another? Judging by the diagrams, it seems that its quite a walk. Doesn't that affect the ridership? Or are Filipinos so used to it that it doesn't matter?

Why would they lose appeal? :?

Imo, not having direct transfers loses appeal. Indeed it can be a long walk, MRT3 to LRT2 in Cubao if I'm not mistaken cuts through Araneta. I remember in London underground there was this transfer which had something like 3-4 travellators.:D now that's pretty bad lol

Studies from North American transit systems show that ridership forecasts for any rapid transit system looses its appeal because of transfers(I can't remember the actual numbers). How long does it typically take to walk from one line to another? Judging by the diagrams, it seems that its quite a walk. Doesn't that affect the ridership? Or are Filipinos so used to it that it doesn't matter?
I think as long as it's a covered walk (preferably airconditioned), Filipinos wouldn't mind the walk to transfer to the next train.

But then, that's just me.

yeah I agree... the best facility would have been an actual interchange that integrates mutliple lines in a single station, but the MRT-2 and MRT-3 are owned and operated by different entities so I guess that's not possible. the next best thing is probably these walkways, and kahit papano, I believe they're a lot more convenient and a lot safer than having to go up and down who knows how many flights of stairs to get from platform to street level to platform again.

yeah I agree... the best facility would have been an actual interchange that integrates mutliple lines in a single station, but the MRT-2 and MRT-3 are owned and operated by different entities so I guess that's not possible. the next best thing is probably these walkways, and kahit papano, I believe they're a lot more convenient and a lot safer than having to go up and down who knows how many flights of stairs to get from platform to street level to platform again.

Im really amazed of the development of manilas Mrt system, considering the limited budget of our government, all the conveniences are being provided for the riding public. But I guess unless we become a 1st world country we cant ask for convenience like Singapore Mrt system. But the way they built Megatren really sets a benchmark for the next projects in our country. I heard its also driverless (same as Sinagpore NE line)? As far as i can remember there were not much big controversy about this project...correct me if im wrong. Imagine what we have achieved when everybody worked together...Peace be in our homeland.

Why would they lose appeal? :?

Imo, not having direct transfers loses appeal. Indeed it can be a long walk, MRT3 to LRT2 in Cubao if I'm not mistaken cuts through Araneta. I remember in London underground there was this transfer which had something like 3-4 travellators.:D now that's pretty bad lol

I never thought that London underground is such a mess for any travellers with all interchanging lines ... besides the London underground is way more convenient for us to travel anywhere around the city. And it is way more clean, too. Been to several cities around Europe, and I can say that London underground is far cleaner, better-serviced, and easy to follow. Take note of million of tourists and locals using it everyday. It's more picturesue as well. Cheers!

Indeed it's full of long interchange walks, but I didn't say it was mess. I don't think it's picturesque though, that's another thing. But you do feel kind of going back time with those old, not often clean like newer stations.

It will all depend which station are you referring, renell. Not all stations had a long interchange walks, I guess. And which London underground station looks old and not clean? Are you referring to the area within zones 1 and 2? or probably the area between zones 5 and 6? more especially stations of the London British Rail and not the underground?

here's the London Underground map ...

http://www.oxfordtube.com/assets/london/underground_map.jpg

for other pics of london underground, you can google it!

being a third world country is never an excuse to avail of (even just a pinch) first world services. these mrt developments are long overdue, & were never supposed to say THANK YOU!! to these builders coz its the primary obligation of the govt in the first place to serve us!!! the public always has the right to demand the BEST SERVICE coz we pay for it. the worse thing tho is conspiracy, bet govt & private on asking the latter to help in BOT infrastructures only to build crap things like MRT3!!! hello, asan ang justice don??? do we always hav to settle w/ that cliche statement "mabuti nang meron kesa wala???" duh!! sometimes u really cant blame me, coz this govt really sucks me dry sobra!!

Underneath the LRT-2.

I hope those plants live for a long time.
And there's also the infamous BUHAYIN ANG MAYNILA billboard.

Talk about beautifying Manila while raking in profits (which I hope is used for further beautification) from advertisements underneath the LRT.

http://www.geocities.com/csbrocks_hunter/Photo_042705_002x.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/csbrocks_hunter/Photo_042705_003x.jpg

"LA"?

LA = Lito Atienza

The "LA" of MayniLA means Lito Atienza.

What an ingenius way to advertise a name. :)

ok. thanks. same as what I'm thinking but I'm not sure earlier.

The higher those poles, they look better don't they? With LRT1 you had this claustrophobic feeling it was gonna fall on you....:D

I hope the billboards underneath LRT-2 withstand the strong winds of typhoons.

But we'll see when the rainy season comes.

yeah... plus LRT2 plied on a wider avenue... that's why the road didn't become as dark as Avenida Rizal and Taft

I know...Taft is really dark and claustrophobic. Have they beautified Taft more?

They should plant crawling plants on the pilars of the MRTs (all lines)

Well.... I believe they have in parts, where it's now pedetrianised, but last time i turned left from Osmena, into the intersection with Taft, there wasn't much difference.

I never thought that London underground is such a mess for any travellers with all interchanging lines ... besides the London underground is way more convenient for us to travel anywhere around the city. And it is way more clean, too. Been to several cities around Europe, and I can say that London underground is far cleaner, better-serviced, and easy to follow. Take note of million of tourists and locals using it everyday. It's more picturesue as well. Cheers!

I can agree with you there. The London Underground is far cleaner than the NY Subway system. Quite messy and discombobulated but still the fastest way to get around the city and its boroughs.

Check out Toronto's TTC Subway, you'll be impressed

@wecky, i'd like to say that i didn't say the whole system, but rather certain areas of it (i think it was st john wood where i frequented and it wasnt the best looking) have a dash of nostalgia with it. peace.

Check out Toronto's TTC Subway, you'll be impressed

I agree! Toronto's subway system impressed me a lot! Clean, well lit and easy to navigate around the city. :)

and the bus system too!

I agree! Toronto's subway system impressed me a lot! Clean, well lit and easy to navigate around the city. :)
Because they only have two lines. :)

@rico - haha!

I've never seen Toronto's public transpo facilities, but afaik, Vancouver doesn't have the best system in the world... it's quite modern and everything, but a pain in the butt to get around in.

anyways, umm... did you guys read about SM planning to invest in the $1.2B MRT-7 project with Siemens? I know they already are investors (or at least according to old news articles), but I dunno what they're planning to do now. it was just a short little bit in ABS-CBNNews's daily stock market article thingy. with SM's recent IPO, they could finance the entire thing!! haha! I hope we see more news on the new line. I wonder when construction will start...

Because they only have two lines. :)

:lol: good point.

Yeah, Vancouver doesnt have a sufficient and extensive mass transportation.

Construction of line 7 will start by the end of this year, right? or at least early 2006

^ You got that right! Vancouver's transit system is a joke and the way they allocate the priorities and funding for expansion projects is practically criminal. :ohno:

@absent, I've read about SM being the financier for one MRT line, and apparently it will stop in or near their malls. It was line 8 i think it was. Or could you be talking about something else?

@renell - SM is financing line 7;) It is close to SM City North EDSA (but actually starts at Ayala's North Triangle) and ends in SM Fairview.

That's weird, SM should be connecting it to SM North EDSA since they're one of the financiers. Oh well, maybe it'll be connected to both SM North Edsa and Ayala North Triangle.

Would MRT 7 end at North Triangle Mall? I don't think that was the plan. Too lazy to scan the earlier posts. Ideally, it should indeed be at SM North EDSA since SM will be one of the players. But if not, it still has SM Marilao and SM Fairview at the other end.

Would MRT 7 end at North Triangle Mall? I don't think that was the plan. Too lazy to scan the earlier posts. Ideally, it should indeed be at SM North EDSA since SM will be one of the players. But if not, it still has SM Marilao and SM Fairview at the other end.
Are you sure SM Marilao is also at the other end? SM Marilao seems to be so far off the MRT 7 route. :sleepy:

yep. im very sure with that Rico.

yep. im very sure with that Rico.
Oh sorry. I thought it only connects SM City North EDSA and SM Fairview. I didn't know it goes farther west to Marilao as posted here before.
The MRT 7 project is a 21.5-kilometer rail project running from Tala in Caloocan City to San Jose del Monte City, passing through Commonwealth to North Avenue, EDSA and to the Marilao exit of the North Luzon Expressway.
:)

Hmmm..... I wouldn't mind some TV's in those trains lol... even if they're all SM ads lol, but that would be sweet regardless. heheheeh:D But before..... how is it going with the papers and all?

Is there a map of MRT 7 somewhere so we can actually see what it looks like? I'm sorry if this was shown already but be nice if they are readily available for viewing...

Is there a map of MRT 7 somewhere so we can actually see what it looks like? I'm sorry if this was shown already but be nice if they are readily available for viewing...

they haven't released a route map yet... I don't think anyone's come up with a map themselves either. the stuff in the news doesn't really give enough information as to where exactly the MRT will pass through right now...

LRT, MRT seek P10 fare increase
By Sandy Araneta
The Philippine Star 05/12/2005

LRT and MRT fares may soon go up as well.

The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and the Metro Rail Transit Authority (MRTA) are both seeking a P10 fare hike, citing rising costs.

LRTA Administrator Melquiades Robles said the increase should have been granted by Malacañang last year but it never transpired for unknown reasons.

On the other hand, MRTA assistant secretary Roberto Lastimoso said their agency can keep up with increasing prices of spare parts and other operational costs only until July.

Lastimoso said they are forced to slow operations because their trains are already in need of new parts.

The MRTA’s passenger trains cover most of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, or EDSA, one of Metro Manila’s main arteries.

Robles hopes they will be able to raise fares next month. Their Baclaran-to-Monumento line is old, he said, and requires constant maintenance.

Train parts are imported, Robles added, and prices for these parts have been going up steadily.

The train fare hike petitions come on the heels of a two-peso hike in jeepney and bus fares, which were sought due to rising fuel prices.

In an exclusive special report aired at TV Patrol World (23 May 2005, ABS-CBN Channel 2 Manila, Philippines), it was disclosed by a former consultant to the LRT-2 construction that the foundation of the columns, particularly of the one along the Lambingan Bridge (Sta. Mesa, Manila) was sinking and claims of a serious error in the construction of the said foundation column, maybe to save cost and/or expedite the construction schedule...

The alledged sinking support column due to a defective foundation construction
http://www.pwetko.org/gallery/albums/userpics/Capture_0001.jpg

Alleged effects of the corrective measures done by the LRTA to prevent further sinking
http://www.pwetko.org/gallery/albums/userpics/Capture_0002.jpg

The supposed proper depth of a good foundation (it is bored all the way to the bedrock)
http://www.pwetko.org/gallery/albums/userpics/Capture_0003.jpg

The apparent current implementation of the said foundation... it only reached up to the clay layer...
http://www.pwetko.org/gallery/albums/userpics/Capture_0004.jpg

They even showed an animation of what could happen if the foundation sinks and eventually leading to the failure of the support column
http://www.pwetko.org/gallery/albums/userpics/Capture_0005.jpg

The said section of the LRT-2 sank 47 millimeters within 10 months last 2001
http://www.pwetko.org/gallery/albums/userpics/Capture_0006.jpg

Animation of the supposed corrective measure implemented by the LRTA
http://www.pwetko.org/gallery/albums/userpics/Capture_0007.jpg

According to the LRTA, they strengthened the underlying clay layer within the vicinity of the foundation with concrete slurry
http://www.pwetko.org/gallery/albums/userpics/Capture_0008.jpg

The incriminating documents showing the depth of the foundations
http://www.pwetko.org/gallery/albums/userpics/Capture_0009.jpg

part two of the special report will follow tomorrow (24 May 2005)...

:eek: God, no! They better do something about it before disaster occurs.
Well, duh...they have to make the concrete support go all the way to the bedrock. not just clay! :rant:

Who is the contractor for LRT2 again? Specifically the guideway. They can't be THAT stupid to allow such shoddy construction for an elevated LRT system servicing hundreds of thousands of people a day. I think the corrective action is good enough....until Manila gets hit by a major groundshaking...

In an apparent rebuttal to the report made by ABS-CBN last night, GMA 7's Unang Hirit interviewed LRTA Administrator Melquiades A. Robles, assuring the public that based from the contractors (Hanjin of Korea) and experts that the foundations of LRT-2 are safe and constructed to spec. It is just this single foundation column (pier 161) out of the 800+ columns of the LRT-2 that was observed to have settled during the construction period (2001) so the high-tech approach to rectify the situation was used (stabilization of foundation). Since then, there was no settlement observed and the public is assured that continuous monitoring is being done, and in the event that something was indeed been overlooked based on the designs, the contrator is still liable, i.e. construction warranty.

Yeah, I'm still "jueteng", I mean waiting for part two of the report in TV Patrol.
But the report also said that the "supposedly corrective measures" done to that column had weakened the Lambingan Bridge, the roadway underneath that segment of LRT II. Oh well, it can be further clarified by the next report.

BTW, that segment is located along Aurora blvd. at the boundary of Manila, San Juan and QC. The sinking pier #161 is located at the foot of Lambingan Bridge and running underneath it is the San Juan river.

I saw it last night too... it was pretty surprising and worrying. just when we all thought MRT-2 was the best thing that happened to the Philippine mass rail transit. haha

yeah, the LRTA officials did make an assurance that they've corrected the issue. and now that apiong's explained it, I'm pretty confident it will be fine. I want to know why they did that in the first place though...

Yeah, I'm still "jueteng", I mean waiting for part two of the report in TV Patrol.

ahahaha!!

BTW, that segment is located along Aurora blvd. at the boundary of Manila, San Juan and QC. The sinking pier #161 is located at the foot of Lambingan Bridge and running underneath it is the San Juan river.

yeah... I think it should be somewhere around J. Ruiz or Gilmore stations. surely between SM Centerpoint and EDSA.

I was googling on the Malaysia's MOnorail and saw this picture... it shows how beautifully they've made of the median island underneath the rail tracks... I hope we'd do the same for EDSA's median....

http://www.monorails.org/webpix%202/KL41ice.jpg

Yeah. This is Station Bukit Bintang of KL Monorail. Very beautiful indeed although the stations are quite hot even though with the tent-like bubongs...

tsk tsk.. the way that ABS-CBN is portraying the damage to the structure is like its going to collapse any minute.. that might scare off all riders..

shouldnt they verify their sources first before coming out with something like this?

Well, For the case of KL Monorail, it is very bumpy ride ... sobumpy that The Malaysian company who produces that Monorial Rolling Stocs should as more shock absorbers into the system ...

It doesn't look like it can carry a lot of passengers.