Department of Transportation, Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) officials inspect the ongoing work at the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 in Paranaque on November 14, 2022. The extension project is targeted to be finished by 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA (UPDATED) — The first phase of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension is on track to open before Christmas, according to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista on Friday.

First phase of LRT-1 Cavite extension 97 pct complete: LRMC

The first phase will connect Baclaran Station in Pasay City to Dr. Santos Station in Paranaque City, which Bautista inspected along with Department of Finance Chief Ralph Recto, Parañaque 1st District Rep. Edwin Olivarez, and officials of Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC).

It is expected to serve up to 50,000 passengers upon opening.

“With 50,000 passengers passing through this, mababawasan yung sasakay sa private cars and other public utility vehicles  (we expect that the number of private cars and public utility vehicles will decrease) so that will really contribute to solving some of the traffic problems,” said Bautista.

Bautista said this will also make the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) more accessible to the public since there will now be stations located in those areas.

“Kasi right now it’s also difficult to go to PITX. For you to go there, you have to ride a bus or a taxi or UV Express. But with this line stopping in PITX, it will really improve accessibility and comfort to the traveling public. And (to the) airport also,” added Bautista.

The DOTr said the same LRT-1 fare matrix will apply, meaning riding from Baclaran to Dr. Santos Station will cost P25.

The Dr. Santos Station in Parañaque will also have an intermodal transport facility to make it easier for passengers to catch a ride to and from the station.

"We'll be putting up a jeepney here, and UV Express, at pinag-aaralan din natin magkaroon ng bus line. This will be a duplicate of the PITX, ganun ang mangyayari," said Parañaque 1st District Rep. Edwin Olivarez.

NEXT PHASES

Meanwhile, LRMC General Manager Enrico Benipayo said some right-of-way issues still need to be addressed before they can begin construction of Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the project. 

"Actually, that's the most important thing before we can start full blast in construction — acquisition of the right-of-way and utility relocation," he said.  

Should things go as planned, Benipayo said, the entirety of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension, which would extend until Bacoor in Cavite, by 2031.

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