The Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT 2)

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The Manila Light Rail Transit Line 2 (more known as LRT 2 or Purple Line ) has been the main mode of transportation of commuters with destinations along Aurora Boulevard, Araneta Avenue, Marcos Highway, Magsaysay Boulevard, Legarda and Recto Avenue. Unlike the MRT and LRT 1 (which both travels in a north-south route), the Purple Line travels in an east-west manner.  Latest statistics from the LRT Authority show that there the passenger count is almost 200,000 daily. The LRT 2 has 11 stations from Recto in Manila to Santolan in the Marikina-Pasig boundary. 
This post shall discuss: (1) Fares and Tickets; (2) Schedule; (3) Stations; (4) Trip Guide (5) Safety Guidelines

Fares and Tickets
Fare ranges from 12 pesos to 20 pesos depending on how far you are from your destination.

The fare matrix follows a terminal count structure. From any station, passengers will be charged 12 pesos for the first three stations, 13 pesos for the fourth to sixth stations, 14 pesos for seventh to ninth stations and 15 pesos if you are going to the far end (applies to end-to-end traveling, like Santolan to Recto). Example: If you are coming from Santolan, you will pay 12 pesos if you are going to Araneta Cubao, but if you are going to Gilmore, you will have to pay 13 pesos; to Legarda, you will then have to pay 14 pesos.

Schedule
Weekdays - The LRT 2 service starts at 5am and ends at 11pm. Weekends - The MRT service starts at 5am to 9:30pm only.

Stations
There are 11 stations in Metro Manila, which spans five (4) cities from Recto Avenue in Manila to the Santolan in Marikina in the east. The list of stations, as well as major landmarks, are as follows: 

1. Recto (Manila) - Sta. Cruz, Fabella Memorial Hospital, Isetann Shopping Center, Quiapo, closest link to Far Eastern University (FEU), Manila Grand Opera, Central Market, Isetann Recto. Manila City Jail is also by the area. This also serves as the connection to LRT 1 Yellow Line (that starts from EDSA-Taft Station in Pasay to Balintawak in Quezon City) through the Doroteo Jose Station which can beaccess via an elevated walkway bridge.
2. Legarda (Manila) - Sampaloc, Sampaloc Public Market, closest link to university belt, particularly University of the East and University of Santo Tomas, San Sebastian College, National Teachers College, San Beda College, Centro Escolar University, La Consolaction College, Technological Institute of the Philippines, National University, Arellano University
3. Pureza (Manila) - Santa Mesa, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) - Sta. mesa, SM Sta. Mesa, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Puregold, SM Savemore, De Ocampo Memorial College, an alternative link to jeepneys going to University of Santo Tomas, Arellano University, San Beda and La Consolacion College
4. V. Mapa (Manila) - Santa Mesa, G. Araneta Avenue, SM Centerpoint (SM Santa Mesa), SM Mezza Residences, Arlington Memorial Chapels, Central Colleges of the Philippines, UERM  Memorial Medical Center
5. J. Ruiz (San Juan) - only station located in San Juan. Regina Shipping Lines (RSL) Bus Transport, Tabernacle of Faith Academy, near Pinaglabanan leading to Xavier School and Immaculate Concepcion Academy, The Arena



6. Gimore (Quezon City) - New Manila, St Paul University - QC, Broadway Centrum (where GMA7's show such as Eat Bulaga and Diz Iz It is being taped, St. Joseph's College, St. Luke's Medical Center, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Carmelite Missionary Sisters, Trinity University of Asia (Trinity College). The area is also known for PC Shops selling the most affordable computers and parts. This also serves as the central station of the Purple Line
7. Betty Go-Belmonte (Quezon City) - Aurora Blvd, New Manila. Named after the wife of Mayor Sonny Belmonte.Very near RVM Beatery and LVN Studios
8. Araneta Center-Cubao (Quezon City) - Araneta Coliseum, SM Cubao, Ali-Mall, various provincial bus stations, Aurora Boulevard, Gateway Mall, New Farmer's Plaza, and the closest link to Ateneo de Manila University. There are also jeepneys here that go to Pasig and passes by Eastwood. This also serves as the link of LRT 2 Purple Line to the MRT Line (also known as the Blue Line) that starts from Taft Station in Pasay to North Avenue in Quezon City.
9. Anonas (Quezon City) - Project 3, St. Joseph Parish and Catholic School, World Citi Medical Center, Hi-Top Supermart (where jeepneys leading to P. Tuazon turns), Ansons Supermart. Project 4 is also nearby. Technological Institute of the Philippines (the bigger campus), ACSAT and NCBA are also just a few feet away.
10. Katipunan (Quezon City) - Loyola Heights, closest link to Ateneo de Manila University, Philippine School of Business Administration (PSBA), Miriam College, also a major link to University of the Philippines.
11. Santolan/M.A. Roxas (Marikina City) - Marcos Highway, SM Marikina, nearest link to Antipolo, Sta. Lucia and MetroEast Mall.

Here's a simple map of the LRT 2 (Purple Line) route:

Follow the LRT1 Route around Metro Manila and see the nearest attractions through our interactive map.


The Trip
All of the train stations are elevated above ground except for the Katipunan station which is underground. The stations have relatively the same setup which makes it easier for commuters. Ticket booths are mostly vending machine (it accepts coins 1, 5, and 10 pesos - and 20 and 50 peso bills). Once you have bought a ticket, next step is to proceed to the platform (there's a grace period of 75 minutes when you have entered the platform). Since the trains are wider than the normal coaches of MRT and LRT 1, there is no separate coach for women. 

Safety Guidelines 
When riding in the Purple Line, one should take note that some things may not be brought inside the platform for security reasons, such as: inflated balloons, large luggages, any open bottles or cans, quantity of fluids such as chemicals, pesticides, and gasolines , as well as pointed objects. One cannot ride the LRT under influence of restricted drugs or alcohol or insane as these may cause some harm to the innocent passengers. Inside the platform, make sure to pay attention tosignages and warnings to avoid any commotion or confrontation from the security guards.

As always, be careful with your belongings, particularly valuables such as wallets and jewelry, as this is a public transportation.During rush hour, the volume of passengers double or triple; this happens between 6 to 9 in the morning and 5 to 8 in the evening. It is advisable, that if time still permits, to be earlier or postpone the trip until after the rush hour.

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