LRT-1 EDSA-Taft station gets upgrade

The Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) has upgraded the EDSA-Taft station of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) in anticipation of an increase in ridership as the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project nears completion.

Apart from improving the safety and convenience of passengers, especially with the coming holiday season, LRMC President and Executive Officer Juan F. Alfonso told reporters that the EDSA-Taft station expansion is in conjunction with the current LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project.

Alfonso said the station is foreseen to get busier, with an expected 50 percent increase in ridership, once the Cavite extension is finished.

LRMC recently started the construction of the 12-kilometer LRT-1 Cavite extension, which will link Pasay and the rest of Metro Manila to Cavite and “dramatically shorten travel time.”

Phase 1 of the project covering five stations from Pasay City to Paranaque City is expected to be completed in 2022.

LRMC said the expansion aims to address the limited space situation in one of the busiest stations in Metro Manila by expanding the structure through the third floor of the adjacent Lianas and Mayson department store and building a new connecting bridge.

“We want all our commuters to have the best travel experience as they discover the joys and hidden secrets of Manila, and we are continually committed to providing comfort and convenience on the LRT-1,” Alfonso said.

“All our efforts in this endeavor, including the further extension and modernization of the LRT-1 line, are made toward achieving this goal.”

The improvements on the new expansion, in particular, are new ticket booths, comfort rooms, LED lighting setups, interior paint jobs, floor finishes, and a PWD ramp.

Meanwhile, the connecting bridge also comes with a new roofing system and architectural finishes, while the southeast leg of the station gets a new fire exit and a wider space, with the demolition of old ticket booths.

LRMC said the ongoing modernization initiatives in the country’s transportation system hope to increase efficiency, safety, environmental friendliness, commuter friendliness, train capacity, and quality services for commuters.

The EDSA Station, which serves more than 52,000 passengers on weekdays, is LRT-1’s second busiest stop.