(UPDATE) THE Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the private operator of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), has announced the extension of its train service starting March 26, Wednesday, to accommodate more passengers and improve accessibility for late-night commuters.

According to LRMC, the last train from Dr. Santos Station will now depart at 10:30 p.m. or 30 minutes later than the previous 10 p.m. schedule. Similarly, the last train from Fernando Poe Jr. Station will leave at 10:45 p.m. instead of 10:15 p.m. The schedule for the first trains remains unchanged, with services starting at 4:30 a.m. on weekdays and 5 a.m. on weekends and holidays.

"LRMC supports the call of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to provide extended service for the benefit of the riding public," said LRMC President and CEO Enrico Benipayo.

Moreover, he said that "in coming up with the new operating schedule, we also considered how the extension period will not significantly impact the available maintenance window to ensure continuous availability, reliability, and safety of our service."

Benipayo said LRMC is also working on enhancing its services, including the strategic deployment of additional trains to improve passenger convenience.

The company advised commuters to plan their trips accordingly, noting that ticket booths will close five minutes before the last train's departure.

Earlier this week, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) ordered the extension of the operations of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) by an hour, effective on March 24, for the commuters' safety and comfort.

Welcomed respite

Sen. Grace Poe, in welcoming the extended operating hours of MRT-3 and LRT-1, said that the move has brought much-needed respite to commuters who need sufficient and efficient public mass transportation.

The senator on Tuesday said with the EDSA rehabilitation underway, more people are expected to leave their cars at home than brave the gridlock.

"Tired and weary from work, our kababayan (fellow Filipinos) taking the [elevated trains systems] often have to rush to avoid missing the train's last trip going home," Poe said in a statement.

She said the train systems' additional operating hours "must be complemented with adequate security, help desks and maintenance of facilities for the commuters' overall convenient ride."

"It has been said that a good indicator of a progressive country is not everyone owning a car, but even the wealthy using public transportation," Poe said.

"While miles away from this, every little initiative is a step closer to the goal," she added.

WITH A REPORT FROM BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO