A more comfortable travel experience awaits commuters of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2 System after the contract for the Systematic Replacement of Rolling Stock Air-Conditioning Units for 10 train sets has been awarded Monday to the joint venture of Multi-Scan Corporation and MRAIL Inc.
The said systematic replacement project is a part of the multi-year rehabilitation and modernization project of the LRT Authority aimed at improving the reliability, capacity and the overall efficiency of the system.
“We are happy that the systematic replacement project will now commence. We are aware of the surge of complaints concerning the poor air-conditioning system of trains which is why we ensured that exigent attention is given to resolve the problem,” LRTA Administrator Reynaldo Berroya expressed.
The P350-Million project will replace a total of 80 air-conditioning units (ACU) for 10 running trains.
Each 4-car passenger train has 8 ACUs and each AC unit has a 20-24°C cooling capacity to maintain. It has the capacity to adjust automatically depending on the number of passengers. However, at present, the cooling capacity of the trains has dropped to 50% of its normal cooling capacity due to the obsolescence of the board module noting that the trains are already 15 years old.
Due to the current condition of the existing train ACU system, it is more efficient and beneficial to replace the ACU system altogether.
Multi-Scan and MRAIL, known as reliable and competent contractors in the railway industry, promised to deliver their expertise and skills in the Systematic ACU Replacement project.
Using parts from the original equipment manufacturer and the latest technology, the new ACUs will seamlessly interface with the Train Monitoring System and it shall be environment-friendly, energy-efficient and compliant with the Clean Air Act.
However, it must be noted that a substantial amount of time will be needed for the project as it goes through the design and approval of prototype, manufacturing, delivery and installation. The project is expected to be completed in the First Quarter of 2019 but LRTA will persevere to have some ACUs replaced before the year ends.
The Administrator nonetheless guaranteed that the LRTA is committed to complete its projects within the target timeframe that is why it is working double time to fast track the rehabilitation of the aged train system so that the riding public may enjoy a safer, faster, smoother, and more comfortable journey at the soonest time possible.
For the meantime, the LRTA Engineering and Maintenance Team is doing corrective measures like cleaning the trains’ ACU motors more frequently to make train temperature more bearable while awaiting the systematic replacement to take place.
Berroya also recognizes that “Biyaheng Ayos,” which translates to a comfortable, safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation as the directive of the Transportation Department, can only be achieved upon the completion of the rehabilitation and modernization projects. He is thus asking for patience and understanding from the riding public while projects are underway for completion.
Moreover, he stressed that LRTA is committed to achieve its vision to be the recognized leader and expert in providing integrated urban rail transport systems in the country.
Source: Department of Transportation - Philippines
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