The three railway systems in Metro Manila are set to suspend operations this Holy Week and will resume on April 1, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
The Metro Rail Transit line 3 and Light Rail Transit line 2 (LRT-2) are scheduled to suspend operations from March 28 to 31 to conduct regular maintenance activities.
The LRT-1, which is operated by private consortium Light Rail Manila Corp., will suspend operations on March 27 to 31 to conduct annual preventive maintenance activities, as well as facilitate the mandatory testing activities for the system integration of LRT-1 Cavite Extension.
The DOTr and its line agencies have prepared efficiency and security measures as commuters and tourists travel for the Holy Week.
Hector Villacorta, DOTr assistant secretary for communications and commuter affairs, said enough personnel from line agencies under the aviation, railways, land and maritime sectors have been activated to ensure a safe and secure journey.
Villacorta also warned the public from falling victim to online travel scams through the 2024 Online Bantay Lakbay and advised them to report cyber and travel scams via the DOTr Commuter hotline.
In a related development, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan has ordered all Regional and District Engineering Offices to conduct highway routine maintenance activities to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow along major roads this Holy Week.
“In anticipation of the heavy flow of traffic this long weekend, implementing offices were instructed to ensure the provision of informative/regulatory warning signs or traffic advisory along ongoing road projects,” said Bonoan.
“They shall likewise make sure that appropriate warning, directional, and information signages are legibly and visibly installed especially along critical sections leading to churches, for the safety of those who will go for Visita Iglesia,” added Bonoan.
In addition, DPWH said its Lakbay Alalay Program will be reactivated to provide prompt emergency assistance to motorists and commuters.
Motorist assistance teams will be stationed along strategic national roads and shall be mobilized on March 28 to 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
