Manila LRT Purple Line

Megatren
Overview
Type	Rapid transit
Status	Operational
Termini	Santolan Recto
Stations	11
Services	1
Operation
Opened	April 5, 2003
Owner	Light Rail Transit Authority
Operator(s)	Light Rail Transit Authority
Rolling stock	Hyundai Rotem EMU
Technical
Line length	13.8 km (8.6 mi)
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) Standard gauge
Electrification	Overhead line
Operating speed	80 km/h (50 mph)
Route map Purple Line Recto Legarda Pureza V. Mapa J. Ruiz Gilmore Betty Go-Belmonte Araneta Center-Cubao Anonas Katipunan Santolan

The Manila LRT Purple Line (MRT-2) is the second line of the Manila Light Rail Transit System. The line contains eleven stations and runs over 13.8 kilometers of mostly elevated track, with the exception of Katipunan station, which is underground. As the name implies, the line is colored purple on all LRT maps.

The line runs in a general east-west direction, linking the cities of Manila, San Juan, Quezon City, Marikina and Pasig. Passengers can transfer to the Yellow Line at Recto station, while passengers can transfer to the Blue Line at Araneta Center-Cubao station.

Before the launch of the Strong Republic Transit System, the Purple Line was known as MRT Line 2, shortened to MRT-2, or the Megatren. The former names are still used colloquially. However, the purple color of the line dates back to its opening in 2003.

Unlike the LRT Line 1 and the MRT Line 3, this line uses heavy rail metro vehicles.

The LRT-2 network

The line serves 11 stations on 13.8 kilometers (8.6 mi) of line. It is mostly elevated, with some sections underground. The line commences at Recto Avenue (Recto on the map) and ends at Santolan Road (Santolan on the map), serving the cities that Radial Road 6 (Marcos Highway, Aurora Boulevard, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, Legarda Avenue and C.M. Recto Avenue) passes through: Manila, San Juan, Quezon City, and Marikina City.

Araneta Center-Cubao is an interchange with the MRT network, with Araneta Center-Cubao connected to its namesake station on the Blue Line while Recto is an interchange with the LRT-1 network, with Recto connected to Doroteo Jose on the Yellow Line. The line's interchanges have been designated as transport hubs, where commuters can change to and from take other forms of public transport.

The MRT-2 is open from 5:00 a.m. PST (UTC+8) until 10:00 p.m during weekdays while 5:00 a.m. PST (UTC+8) until 9:30 p.m during weekends and holidays. LRTA extended its operation hours. The extended hours were primarily aimed at serving call center agents and other workers in the business process outsourcing sector. However, the extended operation hours were called off when Rafael Rodríguez took over as LRTA undersecretary. Special schedules are announced via the PA system in every station and also in newspapers and other mass media. It is open every day of the year except when announced, and during Holy Week, when it is closed for annual maintenance, owing to fewer commuters and lower levels of traffic congestion on EDSA. Normal operation resumes after Black Saturday or Easter Sunday.

History

The Megatren system was built at a cost of P31 billion in soft loans mainly from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). This was a very concessional loan, with 2 percent interest for three packages, and payable for 30 years with a 10-year grace period.

The Asia Europe MRT Consortium, led by the Marubeni Corporation, has delivered 18 new four - car trains. Each train is 92.6 meters long and consists of four motorized cars. One train can seat 232 passengers. It can accommodate 1,396 more standing passengers along its spacious coaches. Compared with the previous light rail projects, MRT-2 was more difficult to build because of highly technical problems. Several international companies participated in the project, which consists of four contract packages. Package 1 is the depot in Santolan, Pasig where the 18 trains are stabled, and where the employees quarters, and offices are based. Package 2 consists of the substructures, mainly the railways foundations including the columns and pilings that support the guideways. Package 3 forms the superstructure composed of the girders, or beams that support the train rails, the viaduct, and the train stations. Package 4 includes the electro-mechanical systems, the rolling stocks, the track works, including the network of cables and poles that transmit power to the trains.

The pre-casting segmental method (PSM), was used in building the viaduct or the long stretch of suspension bridges resting on the concrete towers. The Megatren Line 2 project pioneered the use of the PSM technology or the pre-casting of the girders into smaller segments so that each span connected between two columns weigh not more than 58 tons.

On April 5, 2003, the initial section, from Santolan to Araneta Center-Cubao opened, followed on exactly after one year which is April 5, 2004, from Araneta Center-Cubao to Legarda and finally on October 29, 2004 the final segment from Legarda to Recto opened.

Station facilities, amenities, and services

J. Ruiz Station platform area

With the exception of Katipunan station, all stations are above ground.

Station layout and accessibility

Stations have a standard layout, with a concourse level and a platform level. The concourse is usually above the platform, with stairs, escalators and elevators leading down to the platform level. The levels are separated by fare gates.

The concourse contains ticket booths. Some stations, such as Araneta Center-Cubao, are connected at concourse level to nearby buildings, such as shopping malls, for easier accessibility.

Almost all Stations have side platforms with the exception of Santolan which has an island platform. Part of the platform at the front of the train is cordoned off for the use of pregnant, elderly and disabled passengers. At side-platform stations, passengers need not enter the concourse area to enter the other platform or go through bridges atop some stations as there is a small centre island in which they can transfer trains if there is a train in the other side of the platform via the left door which is called the Seamless transfer system which can only be found in this line. Passengers can easily switch sides at the station with island platform. Stations have toilets at the concourse level.

All stations are barrier-free inside and outside, and trains have spaces for wheelchair-bound passengers.

Shops and services

Inside the concourse of all stations is at least one stall or stand where people can buy food or drinks. Stalls vary by station, and some have fast food stalls. The number of stalls also varies by station, and stations tend to have a wide variety, especially in stations such as Recto and V.Mapa.

Stations such as Araneta Center-Cubao and V. Mapa are connected to or are near shopping malls, hotels and/or other large shopping areas, where commuters are offered more services they need.

Operating Schedule

MRT-2 operates from 5:00 AM until 10:00 PM on weekdays and 5:00 AM until 9:30 PM on weekends and holidays. It is closed for annual maintenance every Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday. At the discretion of its operators, it is also closed during All Saints Day (November 1).

First / Last Train Service

Regular Operation Station First Train Last Train Santolan Station 5:00 AM 9:30 PM Gilmore Eastbound 5:15 AM 10:30 PM Gilmore Westbound 5:15 AM 10:45 PM Recto Station 5:30 AM 10:00 PM

Weekends and Holidays Station First Train Last Train Santolan Station 5:00 AM 9:00 PM Gilmore Eastbound 5:15 AM 9:30 PM Gilmore Westbound 5:15 AM 9:45 PM Recto Station 5:30 AM 9:30 PM

Safety

The MRT-2 has always presented itself as a safe system to travel in. So far, this has been affirmed by the LRTA, the government owned and controlled corporation running LRT-1 and MRT-2, has since been able to live up to that reputation. Safety notices in both English and Tagalog are also a common sight at MRT-2 stations and inside MRT-2 trains.

Incidents and accidents

Incidents and accidents are rare aboard the MRT-2, but there have been notable events throughout the MRT-2's history:

Date	Location	Results
January 10, 2005	Recto	Two robbers dressed as janitors ran off with PHP 700,000 in station earnings from Recto station, killing one policeman, Arcadio Borja from the Lockheed Security Agency, in the process. The robbers were wearing the uniforms of Excellent General Services, the agency which provides janitorial services on the entire Purple Line.[1] It is presumed that the robbers entered the station through the fire exit, the hallway lights of which were turned off to make them invisible to security cameras. Four janitors, eight security guards and cashier Leo Inocentes, from which the money was robbed from, were subjected to a polygraph test after testing negative for gunshot residue.[2]
January 30, 2006	Santolan	A man, later identified as Zaldy Morato Muna, was arrested after guards conducting a routine bag search discovered bomb-making materials inside Muna's bag, with the suspect claiming that the materials were for a fishpond project in Antipolo City and that he believed that he had given the materials to a friend of his.[3] While the suspect has been relieved of any allegations of being a member of a terrorist group, charges of illegal possession of explosives will still be levied against him, according to police.[4][dead link]
June 22, 2006	Santolan to Katipunan	At about 6:15am PST, MRT-2 operations were halted for about three hours due to a power glitch that occurred between the two stations. LRTA engineers discovered a piece of tin that broke one of the catenary wires, causing delays for passengers who had to be transferred via coach to Anonas station, the closest open station of the network for passengers boarding from Santolan and Katipunan. Full line operations resumed by 9:30 am after the wire was repaired. [5]
July 12, 2006	Santolan to Katipunan	Hundreds of passengers were stranded after lightning caused by Tropical Storm Bilis (Florita) struck one of the overhead wires, causing the line to break and forcing operations from Santolan to Katipunan to stall. Operations from Recto to Anonas continued as normal while linemen were repairing the damaged wire.[6]
May 20, 2008	Recto	Train operations from Recto to Araneta Center-Cubao were suspended due to lightning that struck the station's power supply.[7]
July 14, 2008	Araneta Center-Cubao	A hard and sudden downpour of rain disrupted operations of the MRT-2 and caused a power transformer to explode and trigger a brownout in some parts of Quezon City. Trains loaded with passengers stopped at the Araneta Center-Cubao, while MRT-2's workers tried to activate their emergency generator to immediately resume operations. [8]
January 4, 2011	V. Mapa	Operations of the MRT-2 were temporarily halted due to obstructions along the tracks in the Sta. Mesa district in Manila during rush hour early Tuesday. The object was reported past 7 a.m. PST, forcing them to stop operations until the tracks were cleared. [9]
March 24, 2011	Katipunan	A glitch interrupted the operations of the MRT-2, this time involving a defective door on one of its coaches. The technical problem occurred at 6:47 a.m. PST, involving a train bound for the Recto Station when a train at the Katipunan Station had the said glitch. The operations resumed at 6:55 a.m. PST, and insisted MRT-2 technicians quickly fixed the problem. [10]
June 11, 2011	Araneta Center-Cubao	The morning operation of Purple line was delayed when a man suddenly jumped on the railroad tracks in front of an incoming train.

Rules

Passengers at MRT-2 stations are advised to not stay too close to the edge of the platforms to avoid falling onto the tracks. Passengers are prohibited from eating, drinking or smoking inside the platform area of all MRT-2 stations and inside the trains. Bags are also inspected for prohibited goods, such as chemicals and knives. Passengers are also inspected by guards using a handheld metal detector.

For safety and security reasons, persons who are visibly intoxicated, insane and/or under the influence of controlled substances, persons carrying flammable materials and/or explosives, persons carrying bulky objects or items over 1.5 metres (5 ft) tall and/or wide, and persons bringing pets and/or other animals are prohibited from entering the MRT-2. Passengers are also prohibited from entering the MRT-2 if bringing products in tin cans, citing the possibility of home-made bombs being concealed inside the cans.^[11]

Security

In response to the Rizal Day bombings and the September 11th attacks, security has been stepped up onboard the MRT-2. The Philippine National Police has a special MRT-2 police force,^[12] and security police provided by the LRTA management can be found in all MRT-2 stations. All MRT-2 stations have a head guard. Some stations may also have a deployed K9 bomb-sniffing dog.

The MRT-2 also employs the use of closed-circuit television inside all stations to monitor suspicious activities and to assure safety and security aboard the line.

Passengers are also advised to look out for thieves, who can take advantage of the crowding aboard MRT-2 trains. Wanted posters are posted at all MRT-2 stations to help commuters identify known thieves.

Fares and ticketing

A sample MRT-2 single-journey ticket bearing the face of then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo released in 2003.

The MRT-2, like the LRT-1 and MRT-3, uses a distance-based fare structure, with fares ranging from twelve to fifteen pesos (28 to 35 U.S. cents), depending on the destination.

Fare structure

The MRT-2 only uses one fare structure for both single-journey and stored-value ticket holders. Commuters who ride the MRT-2 are charged 12 pesos for the first three stations, 13 pesos for 4–6 stations, 14 pesos for 7-9 stations, and 15 pesos for 10 stations or the entire line. Children below 1.02 metres (3 ft 4.4 in) (the height of a fare gate) may ride for free on the MRT-2.

Types of tickets

Four types of MRT-2 tickets exist: a single-journey (one-way) ticket whose cost is dependent on the destination, a stored-value (multiple-use) ticket for 100 pesos, a discounted stored value ticket (multiple-use) which can only be availed by senior citizens and disabled persons for 96 pesos, and a single journey ticket for employees (one-way) which is exclusive for LRTA employees only. The single-journey ticket and the single journey ticket for employees is valid only on the date of purchase. Meanwhile, the stored-value ticket and the discounted stored-value ticket is valid for six months from date of purchase when unused and for one month from date it was first used.

MRT-2 tickets come in two incarnations: one bearing the portrait of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, which have since been phased out, although some tickets have been recycled due to ticket shortages, and one with the LRT-MRT closing the loop project design with Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo again in the picture. In the past, the MRT-3 borrowed tickets from MRT-2 and LRT-1 rather than recycling the old "Erap tickets", due to the same ticket shortages.^[13]

Unlike MRT-3, MRT-2 now has sufficient number of tickets with the arrival of the new tickets and the unified ticketing system between LRT-1 and MRT-2 among stored value users which result to a shorter line in booths compared to its MRT-3 counterparts.

Rolling stock

The MRT-2 runs on heavy rail vehicles made in South Korea by Hyundai Rotem in a four-car configuration. The trains came in together with the fourth package during the system's construction. Trains have a capacity of 1,628 passengers, which is more than the normal capacity of LRT-1 and MRT-3 rolling stocks.

MRT-2 trains, like their MRT-3 and second generation LRT-1 counterparts, are particularly known for their use of wrap advertising. A wide variety of advertisements can be seen on MRT-2 trains, of which some include Nike, Converse and Samsung products. Trains bearing wrap advertising are now very common aboard the MRT-2, although trains that use MRT-2's house colors are also in service in the network. The revenues generated from the advertising on MRT-2 trains are used to pay off debts incurred by the LRTA during the system's construction and maintain the rolling stocks and stations of the line.

Depot

The MRT-2 maintains an at-grade depot in Marikina City, near Santolan station. It serves as the headquarters for light and heavy maintenance of the MRT-2, as well as the operations of the system in general which includes the operation of the driverless trains. It is connected to the main MRT-2 network by a spur line.

Future plans

Purple Line Eastern Extension

A 4-kilometer eastern extension of the Purple Line to Masinag in Antipolo, Rizal, was proposed. It was approved in principle by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), but the actual proposal is pending before the NEDA secretariat. In the future, the line could be extended as far west as Manila North Harbor and as far east as Cogeo in Antipolo.

Purple Line Western Extension

An 8-kilometer western extension of the Purple Line to Tondo, Manila was proposed. It was approved in principle by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), but the actual proposal is pending before the NEDA secretariat. The construction of this said extension will create one station which will serve people in the Tutuban /Divisoria area.

See also

• Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC)
• List of rapid transit systems
• List of Strong Republic Transit System stations
• Manila LRT Yellow Line (Yellow Line)
• Manila Metro Rail Transit System (Blue Line)
• Manila Light Rail Transit System
• Light Rail Transit Authority
• Strong Republic Transit System (SRTS)
• Transportation in the Philippines

References

1. ^ Guard killed in MRT-2 robbery; P0.7M lost, Philippine Daily Inquirer, January 10, 2005
2. ^ MRT-2 robbery probe focuses on station employees, Philippine Daily Inquirer, January 12, 2005
3. ^ Man with bomb materials nabbed at MRT-2 station in Pasig, Philippine Daily Inquirer, January 30, 2006
4. ^ Explosives seized at MRT-2 line for fishpond project--suspect, Philippine Daily Inquirer, January 31, 2006
5. ^ Power glitch halts MRT-2 for 3 hours, Manila Bulletin, June 22, 2006
6. ^ MRT-2 operations from Katipunan to Santolan stations stall, Philippine Daily Inquirer, July 12, 2006 (archived from the original on 2007-03-11)
7. ^ Lightning disrupts MRT-2 service, Philippine Daily Inquirer, May 20, 2008
8. ^ Sudden rain mars MRT-2 operations causes brownouts in Quezon City, July 14, 2008
9. ^ Obstructions on the MRT-2 tracks halted operations, January 4, 2011
10. ^ Door glitch distrupts MRT-2 operations, March 24, 2011
11. ^ MRT-2 issues directive imposing ban on tin cans, Manila Times, August 10, 2005
12. ^ New task force formed to keep LRT, MRT safe, The Daily Tribune, November 13, 2004
13. ^ MRTC borrows value tickets from LRTA, Manila Times, November 12, 2003

External links

• Megatren
• www.abs-cbnnews, LRT-MRT loop construction to start in May