The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has begun its preparations for a feasibility study on the proposed new routes along the portion of the LRT-2 line from Antipolo City to Manila.

The LTFRB has already started working with the LRT Authority to devise a “fast, comfortable, and reliable” bus transportation scheme that will operate between Antipolo City and Recto Avenue.

This study comes in response to an influx of passengers riding the LRT-2 trains, particularly during rush hours, said Acting LTFRB Chairman Atty. Greg Pua, Jr.

An assessment revealed that LRT-2 passengers are subjected to long queues, with congestion spilling out from station platforms to the lower levels and surrounding streets.

“The initial information that we have is the significant increase of passengers of the LRT-2 especially during rush hours in the morning and the afternoon. Our goal is to come up with new routes that will serve as alternative mode of transportation for the passengers,” Pua said.

Pua said the agency understands the urgency for a solution to the situation, especially because the commuters are students and workers who do not wish to be late in the mornings and want to arrive at the soonest possible time to their homes at the end of the day.

Pua said they are also coordinating with relevant local government units (LGUs), namely, the Antipolo City, Pasig City, Marikina City, Quezon City, San Juan City, and Manila LGUs.

Previously, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez revealed plans for this special bus transportation scheme, modeled after the EDSA Busway, which has designated pick-up and drop-off stations.