Manila: Train operations for the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2), and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will be halted from April 17 (Maundy Thursday) to April 20 (Easter Sunday) to facilitate annual maintenance activities during the Holy Week break.

According to Philippines News Agency, this temporary suspension is part of an essential maintenance program aimed at enhancing the reliability and convenience of services for commuters. Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) president and CEO Enrico Benipayo emphasized the importance of these activities in a statement, noting that all LRT-1 trains will undergo thorough testing and inspection before operations resume on April 21.

Benipayo assured that LRT-1 will maintain its regular operating schedule from April 14 to 16, with first trips departing simultaneously from Dr. Santos Station and Fernando Poe Jr. Station at 4:30 a.m., and last trips leaving Dr. Santos Station at 10:30 p.m. and Fernando Poe Jr. Station at 10:45 p.m.

The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) advised LRT-2 commuters to prepare and consider alternative transportation during the maintenance period. MRT-3 also confirmed that it will restart normal operations on April 21, with initial train trips set for 4:30 a.m. from North Avenue Station and 5:05 a.m. from Taft Avenue Station. Extended operating hours will be observed on April 16, with last trains departing at 10:30 p.m. from North Avenue Station and 11:09 p.m. from Taft Avenue Station.

In related news, MRT-3 announced that its extended weekday operations will persist indefinitely. This decision follows positive feedback from its two-week pilot test conducted from March 24 to 28 and from March 31 to April 4, during which 61,004 passengers were served during the additional operating hour. MRT-3 will continue deploying an extra train set during rush hours to accommodate more passengers, particularly benefiting workers with evening shifts.