The Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT2) will implement shorter operating hours from April 17 to 30, as the COVID-19 outbreak has dealt a blow to the railway sector.

In a statement on Wednesday, April 14, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), operator of the LRT2, said the railway line will serve commuters from 6 am to 6 pm during the period – about 4 hours shorter than usual.

Normal operating hours will resume on May 1.

The LRTA said 273 out of its 1,944 railway workers, or around 14%, tested positive for the virus.

“Our management opted to shorten the operating hours so as to help us prevent the further spread of the virus and avoid the possible paralysis of our operations in case the numbers continue to surge,” said LRTA Administrator Reynaldo Berroya.

The LRTA said only 56% of ticket management and sales collections personnel, 79% of train drivers, and 68% of station personnel are working as others were either infected or exposed.

Berroya said the management “revisited” train ventilation and air flow protocols, aside from implementing a work-from-home arrangement for depot personnel.

Buses plying Route 9 (Antipolo to Cubao) and Route 10 (Cubao to Doroteo Jose) will make up for the lost capacity, the LRTA said. – Rappler.com