FilipiKnow, Author at FilipiKnow

A lot of commuters prefer riding the LRT to getting on buses and jeeps. Together, both LRT 1 and LRT 2 Line Systems serve as many as 700,000 commuters every day. First time using the LRT? Looking for the nearest LRT station that will get you to your destination? Don't fret. Through this guide, you'll learn everything you need to commute through Manila's LRT with ease, whether you're traveling via LRT 1 or LRT 2 stations. Related: How to Commute Through MRT: An Ultimate Guide to Manila’s MRT Stations LRT vs. MRT: What’s the Difference? Manila Light Rail Transit System (LRT) and Manila Metro Rail Transit System (MRT) are both rail systems in the cities within Metro Manila. The only two differences between them are the routes that they follow and the companies that manage them. LRT 1 & LRT 2 stations follow two routes: the Taft Avenue to Rizal Avenue route and the Ramon Magsaysay Blvd to Aurora Blvd route. MRT stations mainly follow the EDSA route. While the LRT is run by the government, the MRT is currently managed by private companies. The LRT is currently run by the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) which is associated with the Light Rail Manila Corporation and the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The MRT, on the other hand, is operated by the Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC) which is a private organization composed of seven Filipino—owned companies, namely: Allante Realty and Development Inc, Anglo-Philippine Holdings Corporation, Ayala Land Inc, DBH Inc, Fil-Estate Management Inc, Greenfield Development Corporation of Unilab, and Fil-Estate Management Inc. LRT-1 and LRT-2: An Overview Manila Light Rail Transit System Line 1 (LRT 1) is the first metro line in the Philippines. It officially started its operations back in 1984. Meanwhile, the Manila Light Rail Transit System Line 2 (LRT 2) opened in 2003. The LRT Line 1 is also called the Green Line while the LRT Line 2 is also known as the Purple Line. The LRT 1 or the Green Line system services the Taft Avenue to Rizal Avenue route while the LRT 2 or the Purple Line system services the Ramon Magsaysay Blvd to Aurora Blvd route. The LRT Line 2 was built much later than LRT Line 1 so the trains are more spacious and have other features like barrier-free access. Related: HistoRiles: The Fascinating Origins of Popular LRT 2 Stations LRT Fares, Schedules, and Other Things You Should Know 1. Fares For the LRT Line 1 System, the regular fare ranges from PHP 15 to PHP 30 while the stored value fare ranges from PHP 11 to PHP 29. Source: lrta.gov.ph Source: lrta.gov.ph For the LRT Line 2 System, the regular fare ranges from PHP 15 to PHP 30 while the stored value fare ranges from PHP 11 to PHP 281. 2. Tickets and Cards There are two types of LRT tickets that passengers can purchase: Single Journey Ticket (For Line 1 use only) – This type of ticket can only be used for the LRT 1 station where you intend to go and is only valid within the day it was bought. It is sold for PHP 15, PHP 20, and PHP 30. Single Journey Ticket (For Line 2 use only) – This type of ticket can only be used for the LRT 2 station where you intend to go and is only valid for one day. It is sold for PHP 15, PHP 20, and PHP 30. Passengers also have the option to buy Beep cards. Having a Beep card reduces the LRT travel time since you won’t have to wait in line to purchase single journey tickets. It‘s a stored-value smart card that has a 4-year validity from the date of purchase. No need to fill out any forms to get one. All you have to do is pay for the initial load of the card and you can start using it right away for your next LRT ride. It doesn’t have a minimum load amount but the set maximum load amount is PHP 10,000. The Beep card can also be used for other modes of transportation like the MRT, BGC Bus, Citylink Coach Services, and the majority of P2P buses in the city. How To Reload Your Beep Card With the help of Near-Field Communication (NFC) Technology, you can now reload your Beep card using your mobile phone. Download the Beep mobile app from Google Playstore and follow these steps: Select Buy Beep load in the main menu.Input the details of your unregistered card. If already registered in the app, just select it.Enter the load amount and payment details.Once your payment is validated, place your Beep card against the back of your phone. Wait for the confirmation to pop up on your screen. Beep mobile app accepts payments through the following payment channels: GCash, Paymaya, QR PH, Mastercard, Visa, and JCB credit and debit cards. The app can also be used to check your load balance. Furthermore, you can earn rewards for every transaction and convert it as Beep load or QR tickets. Aside from the app, you can also load your Beep card by going to Coins.ph or through beep loading kiosks located in all MRT, LRT1, and LRT2 stations. The kiosks are also located at some bus stops and convenience stores. On the other hand, there are Beep Concessionary Cards available for students, the elderly, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The cards entitle holders to their fare discount. Commuters may also generate their own Beep QR tickets2 soon through GCash instead of using regular tickets. Developed by AF Payments Inc., this QR code-based ticketing system aims to save commuters from the stress of waiting in line to buy tickets. This Beep QR ticketing system is now available in four bus lines3: (1) Precious Grace Transport Services; (2) BGC Bus; (3) San Agustin Transport; and (4) TAS trans. These bus lines cover Makati, Las Piñas, Taguig, Cavite, Bulacan, and Laguna. According to Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), these QR tickets will be scanned by QR acceptance terminals that are installed at selected LRT1 stations’ entry and exit gates. It is expected that by early 2022, the Beep QR ticketing will be implemented in LRT1 stations. 3. Schedule Source: Light Rail Manila Corporation official Twitter account. For the LRT Line 1 System’s weekday schedule, the first train from the Baclaran Station bound for Roosevelt Station leaves at 4:30 AM (same as for Balintawak to Baclaran). Meanwhile, the last train from the Baclaran Station leaves at 9:15 PM while the last train from the Roosevelt Station leaves at 9:30 PM. For the LRT Line 1 System’s weekend and holiday schedule, the first train from the Baclaran Station bound for Roosevelt Station leaves at 4:30 AM. The last train from the Baclaran Station leaves at 9:15 PM while the last train from the Roosevelt Station leaves at 9:30 PM. Source: LRT-2 System's official Twitter account. For the LRT Line 2 System’s weekday, weekend, and holidays schedule, the first trains from the Antipolo Station and the Recto Station both leave at 5:00 AM (both directions). On the other hand, the last train from the Antipolo Station leaves at 8:30 PM whereas the last train from the Recto Station leaves at 9:00 PM. 4. Routes LRT-1. The LRT Line 1 System has 20 stations. It starts with Baclaran Station and ends with Roosevelt Station. Here’s the complete route: Baclaran, EDSA, Libertad, Gil Puyat, Vito Cruz, Quirino Avenue, Pedro Gil, United Nations, Central Terminal, Carriedo, Doroteo Jose, Bambang, Tayuman, Blumentritt, Abad Santos, R. Papa, 5th Avenue, Monumento, Balintawak, and Roosevelt. LRT-2. The LRT Line 2 System has 13 stations. It starts with Recto Station and ends with Antipolo Station. Here’s the complete route: Recto, Legarda, Pureza, V. Mapa, J. Ruiz, Gilmore, Betty Go-Belmonte, Araneta Center Cubao, Anonas, Katipunan, Santolan, Marikina, and Antipolo. The last two stations, Marikina and Antipolo, are the newest additions4. 5. Train Specifications The maximum speed of LRT 1 and LRT 2 trains is 80 kilometers per hour. LRT 1 Line has a 19.65 km service route. On the other hand, LRT 2 Line has a 13.8 km service route with its trains measuring 92.6 meters long. 6. Safety Guidelines and Prohibitions It must be noted that eating, drinking, and smoking are not allowed inside the trains, stations, and terminals. Passengers are also not allowed to bring pets inside the trains. The picture below summarizes other items that are prohibited in both LRT lines: Photo Credit: Lrta Dotc Line II Official Facebook Page The Complete List of LRT-1 Stations (With Landmarks and Nearby Establishments) Update: The Unified Grand Central Station (North Triangle Common Station) is scheduled to have its soft opening in March 20225. This station will connect the following rail lines: LRT1, MRT3, and the upcoming MRT7 (which will be partially functional by the end of 2022) and Metro Manila subway (targeted to be fully functional by 2025). The Unified Grand Central Station will be located between SM North EDSA and Trinoma (Quezon City). 1. Baclaran Location: Sto. Niño, Pasay. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Baclaran ChurchCoastal MallJB Line Bicol ExpressLRTA OfficeNinoy Aquino International AirportOur Mother of Perpetual HelpSouth Metroland TerminalTerminal 2 Shopping Center 2. EDSA Location: San Rafael, Pasay. Must-know: This station links the LRT line to the MRT line. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Heritage HotelMacapagal AvenueMall of Asia ArenaMetropoint MallPasay RotondaPhiltranco TerminalSan Juan de Dios HospitalSaulog and Aladdin Bus TerminalSM Mall of AsiaSM Saver'sSMX Convention Center 3. Libertad Location: Santa Clara, Pasay. Must-know: This station is the nearest link to Pasay Roads and Ayala Malls. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Aglipayan ChurchCuneta AstrodomeDepartment of Foreign AffairsHoly Trinity ChurchLibertad MarketPasay City HallPhilippine School for the DeafPure GoldRizal FuneralSpring CinemaSt. Mary's AcademySta. Clara Parish 4. Gil Puyat Location: San Isidro, Pasay. Must-know: This station is near MRT Buendia Station and Buendia PNR Station Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: CartimarEGI MallManila Adventist Medical CenterPasay City AcademyPhilippine Law SchoolSenate BuildingStar CityWorld Trade Center 5. Vito Cruz Location: Malate, Manila. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Arellano UniversityBangko SentralCCPDe La Salle UniversityDe La Salle - College of St. BenildeHarrison PlazaRizal Memorial Sports ComplexSt. Scholastica's CollegeUniversity Mall 6. Quirino Avenue Location: Malate, Manila Must-know: This station is near the Paco PNR Station. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Adriatico StreetMalate ChurchManila ZooOspital ng MaynilaPaco ParkRemedios Circle 7. Pedro Gil Location: Ermita, Manila. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Nakpil StreetPhilippine General HospitalRobinsons Place ManilaUniversity of the Philippines Manila Related: Who is Pedro Gil of LRT-Pedro Gil Station? 8. United Nations Location: Ermita, Manila. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Adamson UnivesityDepartment of TourismEmilio Aguinaldo CollegeManila Doctors HospitalManila Ocean ParkManila Science High SchoolMedical Center ManilaNational Museum of AnthropologyNational Museum of Natural HistoryNational Bureau of InvestigationNational LibraryPearl Manila HotelQuirino GrandstandRizal ParkSupreme CourtTimes Square Shopping MallWorld Health OrganizationYWCA of Manila 9. Central Terminal Location: Ermita, Manila. Must-know: This station is the closest link to the University Belt. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Central Post OfficeManila City HallDepartment of Labor and EmploymentIntramurosManila CathedralMehan GardenMetropolitan TheaterNational Museum of Fine ArtsOffice of the OmbudsmanPasig RiverPhilippine Veterans Affairs OfficeSM City Manila 10. Carriedo Location: Santa Cruz, Manila. Must-know: This station connects to the Pasig River Ferry Line via the Escolta Station. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Binondo ChurchChina TownEscolta StreetGolden MosqueLiwasang BonifacioManila Mini-Forest ParkPlaza LacsonPlaza MirandaQuiapo ChurchSanta Cruz Church FEATI University 11. Doroteo Jose Location: Santa Cruz, Manila. Must-know: This station connects to the LRT-2 line through the Recto Station. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial HospitalFar Eastern UniversityIsetann Cinerama RectoIsetann Shopping CenterManila City JailSaint Stephen's Parish 12. Bambang Location: Santa Cruz, Manila. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Jose Reyes Memorial Medical CenterMetropolitan Medical CenterSan Lazaro Hospital 13. Tayuman Location: Santa Cruz, Manila. Must-know: This station is the closest station to the University of Sto. Tomas (UST). Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Department of HealthSM City San LazaroThe University of Santo Tomas (UST) 14. Blumentritt Location: Santa Cruz, Manila. Must-know: This station connects to the Blumentritt PNR Station. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Chinese General HospitalNorth Cemetery 15. Abad Santos Location: Tondo, Manila. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Chinese Cemetery 16. R. Papa Location: Tondo, Manila. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: St. Pancratius Parish 17. 5th Avenue Location: Grace Park, Caloocan. Must-know: This station can be found along C-3 Road. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Caloocan City HallHernandez HospitalJade TowersLa Loma CemeteryTaoist TempleYorklin Chinese School 18. Monumento Location: Grace Park, Caloocan. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Bonifacio MonumentCaloocan CathedralEver GotescoGrace ParkManila Central UniversityMonumento CircleUniwideUniversity of the East Caloocan 19. Balintawak Location: Balintawak, Quezon City. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Ayala Malls CloverleafBalintawak InterchangeNorth Luzon ExpresswayPuregold Balintawak 20. Roosevelt Location: Bago Bantay, Quezon City. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: INC Muñoz ChurchMuñoz MarketQuezon City General HospitalWalter Mart Muñoz Map showing the interconnected train stations of MRT (yellow), LRT-1 (green), and LRT-2 (blue). Update: The LRT-1 Cavite Extension, which is expected to be fully operational in 2027 and is currently 60% complete, will extend the current LRT-1 System with the addition of 8 more stations6. The Complete List of LRT-2 Stations (With Landmarks and Nearby Establishments). 1. Recto Location: Sta. Cruz, Manila Must-know: This station connects to the LRT 1 Yellow Line through the Doroteo Jose Station. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Central MarketDr. Jose Fabella Memorial HospitalFar Eastern UniversityIsetann Cinerama RectoManila Grand OperaSaint Stephen's Parish 2. Legarda Location: San Miguel, Manila. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Centro Escolar UniversityLa Consolacion CollegeMalacañan PalaceNational Teachers CollegeNational UniversitySampaloc Public MarketSan Beda CollegeSan Miguel ChurchSan Sebastian ChurchTechnological Institute of the PhilippinesUniversity of Santo TomasUniversity of the East 3. Pureza Location: Sta. Mesa, Manila. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: De Ocampo Memorial CollegeMabini ShrinePolytechnic University of the PhilippinesPuregoldSacred Heart of JesusSM Sta. Mesa 4. V. Mapa Location: Sta. Mesa, Manila. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Arlington Memorial ChapelsCentral Colleges of the PhilippinesSM City Santa MesaSM Mezza ResidencesUE Ramon Magsaysay Medical Center 5. J. Ruiz Location: Salapan, San Juan. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Filoil Flying V ArenaPinaglabanan ShrineRegina Shipping Lines (RSL) Bus TransportSantuario del Santo CristoTabernacle of Faith Academy 6. Gilmore Location: New Manila, Quezon City. Must-know: This station serves as the central station of the LRT 2 Purple Line. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Carmelite Missionary SistersGMA Broadway CentrumGreenhills Shopping CenterOur Lady of Mount Carmel ParishRobinsons MagnoliaSt. Joseph's CollegeSt. Luke's Medical CenterSt. Paul University – QC 7. Betty Go-Belmonte Location: Cubao, Quezon City. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Cubao CathedralTrinity University of Asia 8. Araneta Center-Cubao Location: Cubao, Quezon City. Must-know: This station links the LRT 2 Purple Line to the MRT Line. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Ali MallGateway MallFarmers PlazaSmart Araneta Coliseum 9. Anonas Location: Project 3, Quezon City. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Ansons SupermartHi-Top SupermartSt. Joseph Parish and Catholic SchoolTechnological Institute of the Philippines Quezon CityWorld Citi Medical Center 10. Katipunan Location: Loyola Heights, Quezon City. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Ateneo de Manila UniversityCamp AtienzaMiriam CollegePhilippine School of Business AdministrationUniversity of the Philippines Diliman Related: 10 Little-Known Facts About The Katipunan 11. Santolan Location: Calumpang, Marikina. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: LRTA OfficeMetroEast MallRiverbanks CenterSM City Marikina 12. Marikina Location: Brgy. San Roque, Marikina City. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: Sta. Lucia MallRobinsons Metro East 13. Antipolo Station This station is the only LRT station outside Metro Manila. Location: Brgy. Mayamot, Antipolo. Nearby Establishments & Other Landmarks: SM City Masinag Tips and Warnings 1. Pack your essentials Make sure to bring all the things that can help you be a little bit more comfortable during your commute. These are some of the best things to prepare before leaving the house: A portable electric fan to cool you off when the heat’s too muchAn umbrella just in case it rainsA face towel to keep yourself fresh and dryA wireless headset so you can listen to music without worrying about messing up your cords An extra shirt so you’ll be able to change if the weather’s too hot 2. Make sure to wear something comfortable If you’re riding a type of public transportation like the LRT on a daily basis, it’s important to prioritize comfort over everything else. Make sure to wear a comfortable and breezy shirt during your daily commute. Always buy clothes made with breathable material so you’ll stay cool and fresh even if it’s scorching hot. 3. Get yourself a cute and trusty pouch for the commute The pouch should have enough space for you to store your Beep card, ID, spare change, and keys. This way, it will be easier for you to find your coins and card when you’re about to board the train. It saves a lot of time and effort during the commute. 4. Be respectful and considerate to the people around you Don’t leave your manners at home. Make sure to follow all the rules and don’t try to get ahead of everyone. Wait for your turn because it will definitely come. Don’t shove and push people while trying to get into trains. Don’t be rude to other passengers because they just want to get to their destination like you. While inside the train, make some space for the other passengers if you can. 5. Avoid riding the LRT during rush hour Riding the LRT during rush hour is definitely an experience that you won’t easily forget. Passengers completely fill out the trains like sardines in a can and the lines to the ticket booths and security check are unbelievably long. Luckily for you, you can avoid the rush hour if you take the trips before 6 AM or after 9:30 AM. In the afternoon, it’s best to ride the LRT at around 4-5 PM and if you won’t make it, just wait it out and take the trips after 8:30 PM. 6. Get yourself a Beep card Getting a Beep card is definitely a smart choice. It will save you a lot of time during the commute because you won’t have to wait in line just to buy single journey tickets. The card can be used for a lot of other things too. You can also use them to ride the MRT, BGC Bus, P2P Buses, and a lot more. 7. Think about your location There are LRT stations that are less crowded when compared to other stations. Take the time to research and find out which stations are less of a hassle to ride the LRT from. This piece of information is important, especially for stations that are close to each other. Once you’re inside the train, you also have to look for the best spot. It should not be too far from the door so you wouldn’t have a hard time getting off at your destination. However, it shouldn’t be too close to the door because you might get pushed a lot. If possible, look for a spot where you have something to hold on to. 8. Protect your belongings Always make sure to keep your valuables safe and secure. Thieves take advantage of crowded places since they can easily steal things without getting noticed. The best way to avoid these incidents is to tightly hold your bag, make sure that the zippers face your body, and be alert all the time. There are hidden pouches that you can buy to secure important stuff like money, cash cards, IDs, and Beep card inside your clothing. 9. Memorize all LRT 1 and LRT 2 stations If you’ll be riding the LRT on a daily basis, memorizing all the stations can be a lifesaver. You wouldn’t miss getting off at your destination if you know when you were getting near your stop. Maps and signs are available but it’s not guaranteed that you’ll have the chance to take a look at them during the trip. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Is it more affordable, faster, and more convenient to ride the LRT regularly than the other modes of transportation? Riding the LRT is definitely more affordable than riding buses, jeeps, and Grabcar. A trip from Baclaran all the way to Roosevelt only costs Php 30. On the other hand, a trip from Recto to Santolan only costs Php 25. Riding the LRT is also significantly faster than riding other modes of transportation since it won’t get affected by the heavy traffic in Metro Manila. When it comes to convenience, the LRT may not be the best choice since you have to wait in line to get a ticket, then fall in line to go through the security check, and fall in line again as you wait for the trains to arrive. 2. Do LRT trains leave on time? Trains generally leave on time. However, due to unforeseen circumstances like malfunctioning trains and the lack of available ones, the trips are sometimes delayed. 3. Are small kids allowed to ride the LRT? Yes, small children are allowed to ride the LRT. Parents or guardians are advised to keep an eye on them to ensure their safety and to prevent accidents. 4. How safe is this mode of transportation? LRT trains are safe, especially the LRT Line 2 trains since they were built recently and with modern designs and features. 5. Is it PWD-friendly? Yes, the LRT trains are PWD-friendly, especially the LRT Line 2. The LRT 2 terminals have elevators that are engraved in Braille for the visually impaired. The platform levels and station concourses are installed with pathfinding tactile to serve as a guide for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). References