New Generation 4 train sets of LRT-1 launched Thursday
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00:00 One of the new trains of Generation 4 trainsets for LRT Line 1 took off on the tracks today.
00:05 The new train has its own high-tech capabilities such as a destination sign,
00:10 temperature monitors and a human-machine interface for troubleshooting issues that may occur on the train.
00:15 Karen Villanda tells us more.
00:18 At 4.30 in the morning, the new Generation 4 trainsets of LRT 1 opened for service to the public for the first time.
00:28 And they couldn't help but notice the huge difference from the existing ones.
00:32 According to the Light Rail Manila Corporation, it is significantly cooler compared to the old, such as
00:57 first-generation trains whose air conditioning has lost a lot of its cooling power due to old age which began service and/or operations in 1986.
01:07 As for Rowena, whose car was in repair and took the train instead,
01:11 she said it was fine because she saw the development of transportation in the country.
01:17 We were surprised because we thought it was new.
01:20 It was just right.
01:22 How did you feel?
01:24 We felt like we didn't want to get off.
01:27 The air conditioning is strong, it's warm, it's nice, it's safe.
01:31 Our country is updated if we are going to upgrade.
01:35 Compared to the old trainsets, the fourth generation has a destination sign
01:40 that lets the passengers know whether the train is headed north or southbound.
01:45 It also has a temperature monitor which automatically adjusts depending on the number of passengers.
01:51 It also has a human-machine interface that can inform the driver that it can immediately troubleshoot certain train problems.
01:59 It also runs at 70 km/h compared to old trains running 60 km/h.
02:06 Although the issue of leaks inside the train persists when it rains, according to LRT1 management, repairs are still on.
02:13 Fixes are ongoing to address the water leak issue.
02:17 The trains are being repaired in batches.
02:21 Because the first batch is already done, we used one train.
02:26 And then actually in August, the first week, we will add another train.
02:31 So this is gradually being repaired so we can be deployed little by little.
02:38 We don't have to wait for everything to be repaired because it's a waste if there's one that can be used.
02:44 We will deploy it ourselves.
02:46 So the fixes needed to address the water leak issue are being done in batches.
02:52 Right now, there is only one generation 4 trainsets running on the LRT1 line.
02:57 But its number will be increased every week because about 20 trainsets have already arrived in the country.
03:03 And 10 more are expected next year when delivery shall have been completed.
03:08 That's why there are considerations to retire the generation 1 trainsets and only keep the generation 2, 3, and 4 trainsets.
03:16 For the gen 1, we have other gen 1 trainsets that are underwent major rehabilitation.
03:24 So the other ones can still extend their lives.
03:27 So we are still discussing if we will use them or if we will totally phase out.
03:33 But still, some of these units will be on standby.
03:36 LRT1 ridership is expected to increase when the Cavite extension is finished in 2025.
03:42 That's why the arrival of the additional trainsets is part of preparation for train service on the LRT1 Cavite extension all the way to Baco or Cavite.
03:52 Karen Villanda for the Nation.
03:54 (static)