Why I Love the LRT 2
A foray into Divisoria before the onset of the shopping Christmas throng introduced me to the spectacular wonder that is LRT 2. To say I was flabbergasted is still putting it mildly. It was a life changing moment, complete with an otherworldly feeling that transported me into another realm, making me doubt my surroundings and present reality.
Once I settled down, I decided that I must compare it to the other transit systems available. And my heretofore aversion for public transportation was set aside for an adventure last 04 November 2005—the day marking the official end of the Ramadan.
The route that my friend and I decided on was: from the Cubao-Araneta station (the nearest one to both of us), we’ll take the MRT all the way to Taft, transfer to LRT 1, get off at the Doroteo Jose station, board the LRT 2 at the Recto terminal, ride it all the way to the other end, which was the Santolan station in Marikina, then go back to the Cubao-Araneta station.
My conclusion is that the LRT 2 is far superior to its counterparts in every way for the following reasons:
Roomier Stations The sight of the wide room for the waiting crowds, the high overhead ceilings and cleanliness of the Cubao-Araneta LRT 2 station is very impressive, giving everyone a lighthearted feeling.
Cool Color Combination The choice of the cool shades of purple, green and yellow to highlight the gray tiles is very pleasing to the eye.
Electronic Signs Electronic signs inform the congregating group how many minutes, and then seconds, are left before the LRT 2 arrives. No one needed to crane his neck inquiringly to see whether it is coming, because everyone knows the exact time it will arrive. These are absent from the MRT and LRT 1, making it harder to plan one’s actions.
11 Warning Beeps Entering and exiting individuals are warned of the closing doors by 11 warning beeps and a flashing yellow light, so that the probability of being squeezed by the doors is minimized.
Vocal Information Moreover, a pre-recorded cool female voice informs the assemblage three times, in both English and Pilipino, the name of the next station and when it’s close at hand; the first to warn the throng that it is approaching the station, the second that it is near the station, and the third that it has arrived at the station, making it easier for the passengers to know when their station is in close proximity and to give them enough time to move closer to the doors.
Handrails at the Center The presence of the handrails in the center makes it an unspoken rule that standing passengers should head towards the center first before choosing the option of the bar rails at the side, which would mean they’re avoiding cramping the seated passengers.
Connected Cabs All the cabs are connected, making it possible to transfer to another one if the present one is too crowded, or for some obscure reason, like you just want to walk from one end to the other. It’s also interesting to observe the cabs curving like a snake as it negotiates the turns. The movement reminds me of playing with train toys as a child.
Roving Guard The connected cabs make it possible for the roving guard to make his presence felt, the sight reassuring passengers that security is being taken seriously.
Speedy Transit It only takes an estimated 25 minutes to travel from Recto to Santolan, unheard of by private transportation, unless it’s in the wee hours of the morning.
Smooth Stops Instead of the jerking halts that are customary with LRT 1, LRT 2 comes to a smooth flowing stop that hardly necessitates any balancing act, unlike the former, when we were almost thrown off our feet before catching ourselves.
Spacious Cabs The added width of the cabs creates a more relaxed atmosphere, causing a less harried and disgruntled crowd, a perfect example of how space affects people psychologically.
I never thought I would go back to public transportation, but, with the advent of this supremely professional system, I have abandoned my earlier decision and bought for myself a prepaid card. (It’s only P15 from Recto to Santolan, so the other fares are somewhat less, and, the stations operate from 5am-930pm.)
Although I’m going to sound like a commercial here, try the LRT 2 and experience the difference.
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