By EMMIE V. ABADILLA
To improve passengers’ commuting experience once the new normal kicks in, the Light Rail Transit Administration (LRTA) permitted Globe Telecom Inc. to build its network capacity at the LRT2 while Metro Manila is under lockdown.
The LRT 2 line (Megatren) rapid transit has 11 stations serving at least 180,000 to 240,000 commuters a day and covers 17 kilometers from Santolan to Recto with two more additional stations in the works – Masinag and Emerald – for its expansion.
The collaboration between the LRTA and Globe enables the telco to install several cell sites along the stretch of LRT2’s line from Santolan Station, Quezon City to Recto Station, Manila.
“This is the perfect opportunity for Globe to improve its services along our route," says Retired Police General and LRTA Administrator Reynaldo Berroya.
"Globe can build and expand its capacity while the trains are not allowed to transport passengers. We expect that when the lockdown is lifted and thousands of passengers go back to riding our trains, they will have good service,” he added.
Globe cell sites along the route will boost mobile service for the commuting public and the surrounding areas. Commuters can expect better network coverage while they move from one station to another.
“The pandemic has impacted our lives in so many ways. While it has resulted in many challenges, we would like to dwell more on the opportunities to improve our services," Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO maintained.
"With LRTA’s support and trust, we are doing our best to give our commuting public a better experience when they return and ride the Megatren once again,” he noted.
Aside from the LRT 2 line, Globe has pushed local government units and other public and private institutions to make full use of the community quarantine to improve connectivity and internet services especially in Metro Manila.
The telco remains committed to its network improvement and expansion plans this year despite the large scale economic impact of Covid-19.