MANILA, Philippines – Commuters traveling between Antipolo and Manila can expect additional transport options as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) begins testing bus services along the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) route.
Around 20 buses were deployed on Wednesday, November 4, to help ease long queues and provide alternative rides for passengers during rush hours.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced the initiative after inspecting the LRT-2 Santolan station, where he also joined the trial run to assess the service.
The buses will operate between Antipolo and Cubao, as well as Cubao and Legarda, with each unit capable of carrying up to 70 passengers.
The regular fare from Antipolo to Legarda is ₱80. With discounts offered by bus operators, passengers will pay ₱66, while students will enjoy a reduced fare of ₱55.
The initiative comes as the DOTr estimates that around 4,000 passengers are unable to board LRT-2 trains during peak hours due to limited train availability.
Dizon said the government is exploring whether an EDSA Busway-style system could also work along Marcos Highway to improve commuter mobility.
The trial run follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to address transportation congestion and provide additional services for commuters.
The DOTr will evaluate the buses’ performance and travel conditions to determine the effectiveness of the alternative transport system.
