Some elevators and escalators at the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) stations have already been repaired, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Monday, Jan. 24.
Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said LRT-2 operator, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), has "substantially restored the operations of its 34 elevators and 26 escalators."
This is part of the LRTA's efforts to improve the accessibility of the rail service for the riding public, particularly the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
In December last year, the LRTA, upon the instruction of Tugade, filed complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against its officials and private contractors for the anomalous purchase of P170.3-million worth of equipment for the LRT Line 2.
These include the P138-million contract for the supply delivery, installation, and commissioning of the conveyance system, such as elevators and escalators, awarded to Ma-An Construction, Inc, and IFE Elevators, Inc. Joint Venture.
Following this, Tugade called for the immediate repair of all defective escalators and elevators and the blacklisting of erring suppliers.
The LRTA, earlier this year, apologized for the defective elevators and escalators of the LRT Line 2 system and assured the public that it is addressing the issue.
LRTA Administrator Jeremy Regino also vowed to work round-the-clock to repair the remaining non-operational escalators and elevators.
According to the LRTA, among the options seen are the emergency procurement of needed parts and the tasking of the existing LRT-2 maintenance provider to undertake the repairs.
"The LRTA assures the public that its present management will do its best to remedy the situation and restore the non-operational station escalators and elevators for the convenience of LRT-2 commuters, especially amid the pandemic," it earlier said.
The 17.69 kilometer-long LRT- 2 system has 13 stations from Recto, Manila to Masinag, Antipolo, and has an estimated daily ridership of more than 300,000 people.