New LRVs for LRT-1, LRT-1 Extension Arrive
The first set of the 4th generation light rail vehicles (LRVs) for the
LRT-1 and LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project has arrived from Spain.
The new trains, manufactured in Spain but financed by a Japanese grant,
were formally unveiled in a ceremony attended by Transport Secretary Arthur
Tugade and officials from the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), the
Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), and members of the diplomatic corps.
The acquisition of new trains for the LRT-1 line is part of government's
massive expansion plan to increase the number of trains of the country's
railway fleet from 224 train cars in 2016 to 1,381 ordered, under
production, delivered, and operational train cars by 2022.
Even as the first set of modern trains was unveiled, the second and third
sets of LRVs are already enroute to the Philippines, while the fifth to
30th sets of the modern trains are being manufactured and tested in Mexico.
After manufacture and testing, these sets of LRVs will be delivered in
batches to the country until 2022.
Secretary Tugade said the arrival of the first set of the 4th generation
LRVs in the country will facilitate the realization of the LRT-1 Cavite
Extension Project. The DOTr expects the project's partial operability
before the end of the year.
The 4th generation LRV trainsets consume less energy, are equipped with new
operational features including an improved cooling system, and are more
PWD-friendly.