LRT-2 Bus Augmentation — Here Are the Routes and Discounted Fares for Antipolo Commuters
LRT-2 BUS AUGMENTATION 2026 – If you ride the LRT-2 from Antipolo during the morning rush, there is now another way to get to Cubao or Manila, as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has started a trial run of 20 buses with discounted fares for passengers who cannot fit in the trains.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced the rollout on Wednesday, November 4, during an inspection at the LRT-2 Antipolo Station, ABS-CBN News reported. According to him, around 4,000 commuters cannot be accommodated by the train line during the peak hours of 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.
LRT-2 Bus Routes
The buses started serving passengers on the same day. Based on the reports, here are the routes covered by the trial run:
- Antipolo to Cubao
- Antipolo to Legarda – some buses go all the way to Legarda to serve students bound for the University Belt and other commuters
Transport officials estimated the bus travel time between Antipolo and Manila at 1.5 to 2 hours during rush hour. Each bus has 45 seats and can carry up to 70 passengers including those standing.
How Much Is the Fare?
The usual bus fare from Antipolo to Legarda is ₱80, but the DOTr negotiated a 20% discount for all passengers. Here are the discounted fares:
- Regular passengers – ₱66 (instead of ₱80)
- Students – ₱55
As reported by GMA News, the trial run is indefinite. Dizon, together with MMDA Director Gab Go and LTFRB acting chairman Greg Pua, boarded the first bus trip bound for Legarda to check the commuter experience.
Why the LRT-2 Cannot Carry Everyone
Dizon explained that only 10 trains are running on the LRT-2, which is already the maximum the line can field. The other trains were not properly maintained due to years of lack of funds, and the train sets in use are already 25 to 27 years old. On some days, two or three trains still break down, further cutting the number of trips.
GMA News also noted that the number of passengers grew after the government raised train fares by 50% due to the Middle East fuel crisis. Meanwhile, The Manila Chronicle reported that commuters wait 30 to 45 minutes in line before they can board a train.
Buying new train coaches is not an immediate fix, as officials estimate it will take three to four years. Dizon apologized to commuters and asked for patience while road alternatives are put in place.
Other Plans for LRT-2 Commuters
- Marcos Highway busway – the DOTr is studying whether a dedicated bus lane similar to the EDSA Busway can be set up along Marcos Highway.
- Public-private partnership (PPP) – the government is preparing to bid out the operations and maintenance of the LRT-2 and MRT-3 to speed up train repairs and procurement.
- Consultations – the DOTr will talk with the Move As One Coalition, public utility vehicle franchise holders and local government units to improve mass transport, INQUIRER.net reported.
Dizon stressed that the planned PPP does not mean higher train fares, since fare-setting will stay with the government. Only the operations and maintenance will be handled by the private partner.
Will you try the LRT-2 augmentation buses on your way to work or school? Have you heard about the DOLE Hotline 1530 for workers’ labor complaints?
