The Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), private operator of LRT-1, has reached a major milestone with the arrival of its first Generation-4 (Gen-4) train set in the Philippines on January 18, 2021. The state-of-the-art train was formally unveiled to the public a week later, on January 26, at the Manila Harbor Center in a ceremony attended by leaders from both the private and public sectors.
Modern Design and Commuter-Friendly Features
Each Gen-4 train set spans 106 meters in length and 2.59 meters in width, with a maximum design speed of 70 kph. Comprising four light rail vehicles (LRVs), each set can carry over 1,300 passengers per trip.
The new trains also come with thoughtful enhancements for today’s commuters. They are equipped with digital destination signs to indicate whether the train is heading north or south. Inside, the driver’s station features a modern control system, while monitors display temperature levels in each LRV to ensure passenger comfort. Accessibility has also been prioritized, with designated areas for passengers in wheelchairs.
Building the Future of Philippine Railways
Planning and design for the Gen-4 trains began in 2018, with Spanish railway manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) producing the 30 new train sets across Spain and Mexico. The procurement was led by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
In his keynote, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade emphasized the importance of delivering long-awaited transport promises:
“Today, the trains are starting to come and every quarter they will come. By May of 2022, we would have met the delivery of 30 train sets. The Duterte administration is making sure that promises made 19 years ago will truly materialize.”
Next Steps: Testing and Commissioning
The train sets will be arriving in batches, with at least one arriving every month until May 2022. Before deployment, each train will undergo rigorous safety checks, test runs, and acceptance testing to ensure reliable operations for commuters.
LRMC President and CEO Juan Alfonso also highlighted the project’s progress and collaboration:
“This is an excellent showcase of how a strong partnership between the public and private sectors can benefit Filipino commuters. Through our upgrades to the LRT-1 system, we hope to make a real difference and contribute to building a better future for the next generation.”
Cavite Extension Project: Cutting Travel Time
The Gen-4 trains form part of the larger 11.7-kilometer LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project, which is already 50% complete. Once operational, the extension is expected to serve up to 800,000 passengers daily, reducing travel time from Baclaran to Bacoor from over an hour to just 25 minutes. Travel time from Quezon City to Cavite will also be cut down to around 70 minutes.