MANILA, March 6 -- The first phase of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension is now 97 percent complete and is on track to begin operations in the fourth quarter of this year.

In a statement on Wednesday, president and CEO of the Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the private operator of the LRT-1, Juan Alfonso said the completion rate was reached in January, with both civil and system works "progressing rapidly."

"We are optimistic about the progress achieved in the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 project. This significant milestone is a testament to the perseverance and dedication of our team and our contractors," Alfonso said.

To date, he said, the five new stations are also nearing completion - the Redemptorist Station ...