The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) has announced the temporary closure of LRT-1 from April 2 to April 5, 2026. The suspension covers the entire Holy Week break, with Maundy Thursday falling on April 2 and Easter Sunday observed on April 5. Railway operators cite annual preventive maintenance as the reason for the shutdown.
LRT-1 Halts Operations During Holy Week Break
Suspension Covers Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday
Maundy Thursday on April 2 marks the beginning of the four-day suspension, with operations resuming on Easter Sunday, April 5. The LRTA stated that the shutdown allows crews to perform essential preventive maintenance on the aging rail infrastructure.
All Three Metro Rail Lines Affected
LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 will all suspend operations during the same four-day period. The coordinated effort aims to ensure safe and reliable service for the rest of the year. Philippine National Railways has yet to announce its Holy Week schedule.
Pre-Suspension Schedules Released for Each Line
LRT-1 Daily Operations Before April 2
First trips depart at 4:30 a.m. from both terminal stations. Normal operations continue through April 1, 2026. The last trip from Baclaran station departs at 10:00 p.m., while the last trip from Roosevelt station leaves at 10:15 p.m.
LRT-2 and MRT-3 Schedules
LRT-2 follows the same 4:30 a.m. first-trip schedule, with last trips from Antipolo and Recto stations at 7:00 p.m. MRT-3 maintains regular business operations from April 3 to April 5. All three lines resume normal schedules on Monday, April 6, 2026.
Why the Annual Holy Week Maintenance Window Matters
Infrastructure Upgrades During Low-Traffic Period
Holy Week sees significantly reduced ridership as many Metro Manila residents travel to provinces. Maintenance crews use this downtime to conduct thorough inspections of tracks, signals, and rolling stock. These repairs are critical for preventing service disruptions in the months ahead.
Commuters Advised to Plan Ahead
Alternative transportation should be arranged before the suspension takes effect. Bus routes and point-to-point buses may experience heavier passenger volume during the shutdown. The LRTA encourages the public to monitor official social media channels for real-time updates.
What to Expect After Holy Week
Full Service Restoration Expected Monday
All LRT and MRT lines target Monday, April 6 for complete service restoration. Passengers should anticipate possible residual adjustments as new systems undergo testing. The annual maintenance is part of a broader effort to modernize aging rail infrastructure in Metro Manila.
