Former senator Manuel Villar’s group is proposing to extend the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 all the way to Silang, Cavite.
Villar said his group’s Prime Asset Ventures Inc. (PAVI) is seeking to acquire the right to develop and extend the LRT beyond the approved extension of up to Barangay Niog in Bacoor, Cavite.
The LRT extension project, involving the construction of additional eight stations after Baclaran, is ongoing with the phase one, ending in Dr. Santo Ave. Station in Paranaque set to start operating. The first phase will have five stations – Redemptorist, MIA, Asiaworld, Ninoy Aquino Station and Dr. Santos.
Villar said said acquiring right- of-way (ROW) for the further extension will be faster as these areas will traverse land that he already owns.
Villar hinted PAVI could either forge a joint venture with Light Rail Manila Corp. or get a new partner.
Villar said they initially plan to extend it by seven stations from Niog to Governor Drive. In between will be stations in Nomo and Bacoor Government Centre and it will pass through Molino.
“What I really want is to extend its all the way to Silang, closer to Tagaytay, but this will come later,” he said.
Villar said many parties are interested in pursuing the project but ROW acquisition has been the major obstacle.
Villar said the extension project will be more viable if PAVI is involved and everyone will benefit since the current LRT will get even more passengers if it is extended.
