Antipolo:Antipolo City The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has introduced 20 buses on a trial basis to alleviate the congestion faced by commuters on the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2). This initiative aims to provide an alternative for the thousands of passengers who are left stranded due to the limited capacity of the rail line.

According to Philippines News Agency, during a media interview at the LRT-2 Masinag Station, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon announced that the buses will operate between Antipolo, Cubao, and Legarda, offering reduced fares to lessen the financial strain on commuters. The rail line currently struggles to accommodate up to 4,000 passengers during peak hours from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., resulting in long queues lasting 30 to 45 minutes.

Dizon explained that only 10 trains are operational due to inadequate maintenance and funding over the years. The existing trains are 25 years old and have not been replaced. To help alleviate this issue, the buses will provide a 20 percent fare discount, reducing regular prices from PHP80 to PHP66, with a further reduction for students to PHP55.

The acquisition of new train coaches is expected to take three to four years, leading the agency to consider innovative solutions like a busway system along Marcos Highway. Dizon also mentioned plans for a public-private partnership (PPP) for the operations and maintenance of LRT-2, ensuring that the government retains fare control while promising improved service and faster train maintenance.