Japan-financed Light Rail Vehicles manufactured in Spain for LRT-1, Extension Project unveiled

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The first set of the 4th generation light rail vehicles (LRVs) to be used for the LRT-1 and its extension line - the much-awaited LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project was unveiled on 26 January 2020.

In the arrival ceremony held at the Manila Harbor, transport officials led by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, graced the event, together with officials of the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), and members of the diplomatic corps.

The first set and second set of 4th generation LRVs were manufactured in Spain. The 2nd to 4th train set are already en route to Philippines, while the remaining LRV train sets (5th to 30th) are being manufactured and tested in Mexico. Deliveries are scheduled until 2022.

Secretary Tugade said the arrival of the first set of the 4th generation LRVs in the country will be a big boost to the realization of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project, which has been delayed for almost two (2) decades. The transportation chief also reiterated the need to hasten the project's completion for partial operability before the year ends.

"As we inaugurate the unveiling and the acceptance of the 4th generation of cars and trains, I remember distinctly well that 19 years ago, this project (LRT-1 Cavite Extension) was started," Secretary Tugade said.

"Under the Duterte Administration, we pushed and pushed hard. That is why today, we see the steps of the whole realization of this project--partial operability within this year, by accepting the trains and the cars," he added.

Meanwhile, Japan Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa and JICA Senior Representative Kiyo Kawabuchi expressed their full support for the projects and programs of the government, especially in providing Filipinos with an efficient transportation system.

“I served JICA as an Executive Senior Vice President for four years, so I share this same ardent passion with the DOTr leadership. Now, I am here in this country, I am completely committed to work closely with our friends from the Philippine government to achieve these infrastructure goals, together with JICA,” Ambassador Koshikawa said.

"We are confident that this new addition to the existing fleet of coaches shall further improve the service of LRT line 1 with the involvement of private sector, LRMC, for the operations and maintenance. And therefore, provide the commuting public with a more efficient, faster, reliable, and safer mass transport system to improve their daily commuting experience and quality of life," Kawabuchi meanwhile added.

The new 4th generation LRV trainsets consume less energy and are equipped with new operational features, improved cooling system, and are more PWD-friendly compared to previous LRV generations.

The acquisition of new trains for the LRT-1 line is part of the massive expansion now being taken by the country's rail sector to the train fleet from a total of 224 train cars in 2016 to 1,381 ordered, under production, delivered, and operational train cars by 2022.

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