Known for strict security that bars entry to alcohol-smelling passengers, the Light Rail Transit Authority will allow barefoot devotees, expecting ridership to hit around half a million in Friday?s celebration of the Black Nazarene feast.

LRTA administrator Mel Robles said the restriction would enable the faithful access to and from the Quiapo church.

?Traffic is expected to be heavy on that day so we are offering our LRT system as a cheap, fast, safe and more convenient alternative to regular transport,? he said.

LRTA prohibits passengers without footwear as a safety precaution against electric shock.

But Robles said there was no room for laxity, adding that he ordered more security staff with K-9 bomb-sniffers alongside medical staff particularly at UN Avenue, Central, Carriedo, Doroteo Jose and Recto stations.

?We are more than ready to accommodate the increase in ridership on Friday, which we expect to be around 540,000,? he said, adding that 31 trains with two spares would be fielded.

The feast of the Black Nazarene starts today with a prayer vigil at the Luneta Park.

In a statement, Mayor Alfredo Lim said he would be this year?s hermano mayor and that Bishop Ted Bacani would offer a healing mass at 5 p.m. to be followed by the traditional kissing of the black statue starting at 7 p.m. at the grandstand.

Bishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales will officiate at a concelebrated mass at 7 a.m. tomorrow before declaring the start of the procession to bring the Nazarene to its home in Quiapo.

Manila Police head, Chief Supt. Roberto Rosales, said the district would be in full force with Swat teams and K-9 units to beef up security for the 402nd annual feast.

Philippine National Red Cross chairman and Senator Richard Gordon said at least 250 volunteers backed by two ambulances would be deployed on the entire processional route.

Manila chapter safety services manager Jaime Saguindan said first aid stations would be manned along with a 50-member emergency response unit?s three teams.

Last year, two devotees died and 44 others were injured as the raucous crowd plodded through streets bringing the statue back to church. Ferdinand Fabella, Jing Villamente, Macon Ramos Araneta, Roderick T. dela Cruz