The operations of the new stations under the Light Rail Transit 2 (LRT-2) East Extension is expected to normalize after two weeks, pending the arrival of additional trains and the completion of the full integration of the train line's signaling system.
"We need around two weeks to complete the full integration. Probably after July 18, with the completion of the integration works, we could deploy more trains and we can normally operate in the area," Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Spokesperson Hernando Cabrera said in an interview over CNN Philippines.
Cabrera said they are still in the process of completing the full integration of the safety feature between the extension area and the existing rail line.
The additional stations—the Marikina Station and the Antipolo Station—finally start operations on Monday, July 5. However, the queues have been long, particularly at Antipolo Station, as only one shuttle train is avaliable to ferry passengers on the extension stations.
With this, passengers coming from Antipolo and Marikina Stations need to alight at Santolan Station and transfer to another train going up to Recto Station.
"Until we are able to complete the full integration we can only run one shuttle train in the extension area, meaning we can only use one train shuttling back and forth from Antipolo Station through Marikina Station up until Santolan Station," Cabrera said.
Cabrera admitted that there has been a longer waiting time at the new stations, especially during peak hours, which he attributed to the delay in the installation of spare parts needed by the signaling system.
"There were some delays doon sa spare parts requirements and specifically doon arrival ng ating mga signaling experts who are foreign nationals. Affected yung byahe nila, yung dating nila dito sa Pilipinas due to restrictions brought about by the pandemic (There were some delays in the spare parts requirements and the arrival of our foreigner signaling experts. Their arrival in the Philippines was affected due to restrictions brought about by the pandemic)," he explained.
The LRTA official also encouraged train riders to allot additional travel time to mitigate the long queues.
"There's a shortcoming on our part on this particular matter. May I suggest na mag-allot sila ng some additional time during the peak hours kasi talagang magkakaroon tayo ng delay (Please allot additional time during peak hours to avoid delay)," Cabrera said.
The LRTA is currently offering free rides for train riders from the new stations in Antipolo and Marikina up to Santolan for two weeks.