Marikina–Pasig station explained

Marikina–Pasig
Other Name:Gil Fernando
Marikina
Symbol:2
Symbol Location:manila
Map Type:Metro Manila#Luzon mainland#Philippines
Address:Marikina–Infanta Highway, San Roque, Marikina, Metro Manila
Country:Philippines
Former:Emerald (2015–2021, inception)
Connections: Antipolo - Quiapo
Structure:Overpass
Platform:2 (2 side)
Tracks:2
Parking:Yes (Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, Robinsons Metro East)
Bicycle:Yes
Accessible:Concourse: Both entrances
Platforms: All platforms
Code:MA
Owned:Department of Transportation
Light Rail Transit Authority
Status:Operational

Marikina–Pasig station[1] [2] is an elevated Light Rail Transit (LRT) station located on the LRT Line 2 (LRT-2) system in San Roque, Marikina, near the tripoint boundary of Pasig, Metro Manila and Cainta, Rizal. The station is situated on the stretch of Marikina–Infanta Highway near the intersection of Gil Fernando Avenue–Felix Avenue and is named after the cities of Marikina and Pasig which the station straddles between.[3] [4]

Marikina–Pasig station serves as the twelfth station for trains headed to Antipolo and the second station for trains headed to Recto. This is the line's last station in Metro Manila from Recto station before heading to the line's eastern terminus at Antipolo.

History

Marikina–Pasig station was constructed as part of the Line 2 East Extension, which calls for a 3.8km (02.4miles) extension eastward from Santolan station and the construction of two stations.[5] The station during its inception was called "Emerald", but was renamed as "Marikina" in January 2021 prior to its opening. It was renamed a second time on October 31, 2021, as "Marikina–Pasig".[6]

Construction of the East Extension began in 2015, while the Antipolo and Marikina–Pasig station broke ground in May 2017.[7] The opening of the extension was supposed to be in the fourth quarter of 2020, but was postponed repeatedly due to the COVID-19 pandemic[8] and various circumstances in integrating the east extension to the line's existing systems.[9]

The east extension was inaugurated on July 1, 2021, and Marikina–Pasig station opened to the public on July 5, 2021.[10] Rides for the East Extension were free of charge until July 18, 2021.[11] When the station opened, the westbound platform was only operational for temporary bidirectional shuttle services since the integration works of the east extension to the line's existing systems was not completed. The eastbound platform became operable on September 3, 2021, after integration works were completed.[12]

Nearby landmarks

The station is directly connected to two shopping centers: Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall and Robinsons Metro East.[13] It is also easily accessible to the residential areas of Barangay San Roque in Marikina via Liamzon, Ditchoy, and Dasdasan Streets. It is also accessible in nearby Sta. Lucia Residences and Q Plaza.

The station is also accessible via public transport stops along Marikina–Infanta Highway for those commuters heading to Ayala Malls Feliz and APT Studios, and along Gil Fernando Avenue for those commuters heading to Marikina City Hall, Marikina Sports Complex, Blue Wave Mall, S&R Marikina, and residential condominiums such as Tropicana Garden City, Marquinton and Sienna Tower Residences, which lie some distance from the station. The station is one of the largest train stations built in Line 2 and it is expected as one of the line's busiest stations due to its location at the busiest thoroughfare along Marikina–Infanta Highway.

Transportation links

There is a jeepney and UV Express terminal in Robinsons Metro East. There is also a jeepney terminal at Sta. Lucia Grand East Mall. The station also serves a bus stop in Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall via Bus Route 3 (Antipolo–Quiapo) for direct trips going to and from Marikina, Pasig, Manila and Quezon City in Metro Manila and Cainta and Antipolo in Rizal. Taxis are available upon request.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Neil. July 1, 2021. LRTA to run 8 trains on Recto-Antipolo line next week. November 4, 2021. BusinessWorld Online. en-US.
  2. Web site: PHL President Duterte inaugurates Line 2 East Extension Project Light Rail Transit Authority. November 4, 2021. en-US.
  3. News: Line 2 stations sa Marikina at Antipolo, magagamit na simula June 23. June 21, 2021. ABS-CBN News. November 15, 2021.
  4. News: Marikina-Pasig, Antipolo stations open on June 23. June 18, 2021. CNN Philippines. November 15, 2021. November 15, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211115032315/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/6/18/LRT-2-East-extension-Marikina-Antipolo-opening.html. dead.
  5. Web site: Project Update: The Line 2 Extension (East/West) Project . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120310004701/http://www.lrta.gov.ph/future_l2ex.htm . March 10, 2012 . March 23, 2012 . Light Rail Transit Authority.
  6. 1454693913562738688. OfficialLRTA. 1/n Hi! Thank you for waiting for our response. Mayroon pong mga pinagbasehan kung bakit pinalitan ang pangalan ng mga istasyon ng Line 2 East Masinag East Extension Project. Ini-utos ng kalihim na palitan ang pangalang Emerald at Masinag bilang tugon sa panawagan ng mga LGU. LRTA. November 4, 2021.
  7. Web site: Line 2 extension to Antipolo '92 percent complete': DOTr . September 17, 2020 . ABS-CBN News.
  8. News: Rey, Aika . April 16, 2021 . COVID-19 curbs delay East Extension opening to June 23 . Rappler . April 16, 2021.
  9. News: Ong . Ghio . June 22, 2021 . Opening of 2 LRTA stations postponed . The Philippine Star . MANILA, Philippines . June 23, 2021.
  10. News: Garcia . Leandre . July 5, 2021 . The new stations in Marikina-Pasig and Antipolo are now operational . Top Gear Philippines . July 5, 2021.
  11. News: July 1, 2021 . Duterte: Free rides from Antipolo to Santolan stations, vice versa for 2 weeks . GMA News . July 1, 2021.
  12. Web site: UPDATED LRTA Line 2 Train Operating Schedule . September 3, 2021 . Facebook.
  13. Web site: Sta. Lucia agrees to give access to the station . December 18, 2015 . December 18, 2015 . Manila Times.