The Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) recently welcomed their first ever female train driver. Kathleen dela Paz started operating one of LRT-1’s trains in early August 2016.
The 26-year-old mother of two was part of the newest batch trained in an effort to elevate the transit line’s operations.
According to CNN, Kathleen underwent a specialized training course along with her fellow drivers. This course included trainings in basic train driving, safety communication, incident/accident management, and fault reporting.
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According to LRMC Operations Director Rodrigo Bulario, hiring Kathleen further reiterated their belief that “skills and competence are not gender-specific.” The MRT also has female drivers.
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Learn more about the LRT’s service improvements on the next page
Aside from hiring 29 additional drivers, the LRMC also added more train coaches as well as more station supervisors, and station tellers.
The new hires all underwent strict training to make sure they were technically skilled and competent.
The LRT-1 serves about 400,000 commuters daily. It’s been a month since their operating hours were extended to 10:15 p.m. Formerly, operations ended at 10 pm.
Currently, the LRT-1 makes 440 trips daily. But the LRMC plan to increase the number of trips to 470.
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There will be, however, a fare increase which will further improve the train system. The administration of the LRT will focus on rehabilitating trains and improving the infrastructure of stations.
Currently, escalators and elevators have been upgraded, with PWD commuters in mind.
screengrab: Youtube
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