Manila Bulletin

Globe builds LRT2 network capacity

- By EMMIE V. ABADILLA

To improve passengers’ commuting experience once the new normal kicks in, the Light Rail Transit Administra­tion (LRTA) permitted Globe Telecom Inc. to build its network capacity at the LRT2 while Metro Manila is under lockdown.

The LRT 2 line (Megatren) rapid transit has 11 stations serving at least 180,000 to 240,000 commuters a day and covers 17 kilometers from Santolan to Recto with two more additional stations in the works – Masinag and Emerald – for its expansion.

The collaborat­ion between the LRTA and Globe enables the telco to install several cell sites along the stretch of LRT2’s line from Santolan Station, Quezon City to

Recto Station, Manila.

“This is the perfect opportunit­y for Globe to improve its services along our route," says Retired Police General and LRTA Administra­tor Reynaldo Berroya.

"Globe can build and expand its capacity while the trains are not allowed to transport passengers. We expect that when the lockdown is lifted and thousands of passengers go back to riding our trains, they will have good service,” he added.

Globe cell sites along the route will boost mobile service for the commuting public and the surroundin­g areas. Commuters can expect better network coverage while they move from one station to another.

“The pandemic has impacted our lives in so many ways. While it has resulted in many challenges, we would like to dwell more on the opportunit­ies to improve our services," Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO maintained.

"With LRTA’s support and trust, we are doing our best to give our commuting public a better experience when they return and ride the Megatren once again,” he noted.

Aside from the LRT 2 line, Globe has pushed local government units and other public and private institutio­ns to make full use of the community quarantine to improve connectivi­ty and internet services especially in Metro Manila.

The telco remains committed to its network improvemen­t and expansion plans this year despite the large scale economic impact of Covid-19.

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