MANILA, Philippines – Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT2) operator Light Rail Authority (LRTA) started the procurement of locally-sourced parts to fix the poor air-conditioning of the railway system.

In a statement, the LRTA announced on Tuesday, May 29, that the control board module of the air-conditioning units will be reengineered, pending the completion of the systematic replacement of units by 2019.

LRTA Administrator Reynaldo Berroya said the cooling capacity of the trains had dropped by 50%, since these trains have been running for 15 years.

“We can’t allow our passengers to suffer from the poor air-conditioning system of our trains for more than 8 months, so we focused exigent attention on the problem to immediately address it and make our trains cooler,” Berroya said.

He added that the air-conditioning units of at least two trains will be fixed by the second week of June, while the reengineering works will be completed within 6 weeks.

The P350-million project will also include the replacement of a total of 80 units for 10 running trains, which will take 8 to 12 months to complete. A notice to proceed was issued last April 18.

In the meantime, the LRTA administrator asked for the understanding of the public.

“We are appealing for understanding and patience from our riding public while rehabilitation projects are underway. LRTA is doing its best to provide them with a safe, reliable, and comfortable journey,” Berroya said.

In the past months, many commuters have been complaining of the poor air-conditioning system of the LRT2, especially during rush hour when it is packed with people. (LOOK: Commuters endure long lines at LRT2)

Aside from fixing the air-conditioning system, the LRTA has lined up other major rehabilitation works, such as improvement of train stations and the LRT2 depot, water treatment and materials recovery facilities, and replacement of elevators and lighting fixtures.

The LRT2 is a 13.8-kilometer train system that started operations in 2003. It serves 250,000 passengers daily from Recto Station in Manila to Santolan Station in Pasig City. – Rappler.com