Ridership at Light Rail Transit line 2 (LRT-2) is projected to reach 50.7 million in 2024 translating to an increase of 2.6 percent from 2023’s record, figures according to Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA).
The passenger growth is spurred by the resumption of in-person classes and the shift back to traditional office work settings.
In 2023, LRT-2 recorded 49.4 million passengers, the highest ridership since the pandemic began reflecting a substantial recovery and increasing trust in the public transit system.
The year 2023 saw a remarkable surge in the number of LRT-2 commuters, with figures rising from 31.64 million in 2022, contrasted by the significantly lower numbers of 11.84 million and 12.50 million during the lockdown-affected years of 2021 and 2020, respectively.
A substantial spike in ridership was recorded in the latter part of 2023, particularly after the fare adjustment in August, as demonstrated by the jump from 3.81 million riders in July to 4.36 million in August. This trend highlights the public’s reliance on the LRT-2 service despite cost changes.
Meanwhile, LRTA administrator Hernando Cabrera in his speech at the agency’s flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday highlighted the importance of innovative approaches to meet and surpass government compliance standards.
A key focus for the LRTA in 2024, as outlined by Cabrera, is the implementation of advanced compliance mechanisms and strict adherence to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Protocols.
This initiative aligns with regulations from the Department of Labor and Employment and the Civil Service Commission to enhance employee safety and report accuracy.
“We are establishing a new benchmark for operational excellence,” Cabrera said.
Cabrera also stressed the significance of meeting the compliance requirements set by various government agencies to enhance public service delivery and urged everyone to uphold competency in 2024 and the years ahead.
