DOTC orders stricter inspection of LRT after disruptions

After a series of disruptions involving the Light Rail Transit’s Line 1 (LRT-1) earlier this week, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has ordered a stricter inspection of the system to prevent similar incidents. LRT Authority spokesman lawyer Hernando Cabrera said Wednesday DOTC Secretary Jose de Jesus particularly ordered a closer inspection of the LRT’s electronic systems. “Noong isang araw pa nag-order si Secretary de Jesus na i-review ang maliit na component ng train. Maliit na item, usually electronic item, pero pag sila nakaaberya malaking dulot na abala ang nagagawa," Cabrera said in an interview on dwIZ radio. (The other day, Secretary de Jesus ordered a review of the small component of the train. Small items, usually electronic items, but these are the ones that cause trouble.) “Ire-review namin ito at makita ang operational status kung kailangan palitan o paigtingin ang maintenance procedure," he added. (We will review these to see the operational status, to determine what needs to be replaced or what maintenance procedures can be put in place.) Cabrera said all LRT trains undergo checkups every morning before they are loaded on the tracks. He said systems including doors, brakes, and lights are checked. Only after passing such tests are the trains allowed to proceed to the line and ply their routes, he said. Further tests are conducted after peak hours when the trains are brought back to the depot, he said. Disruption of operations At least two incidents disrupted the LRT’s operations this week. On Monday, four passengers were injured after a smoke from a brake pad at one of the LRT cars triggered a commotion in the car near the LRT’s United Nations Avenue station. The four injured passengers were identified as: