MRT to run fewer, slower trains as ‘strange sound’ prompts check
The country’s busiest rail line needs another thorough inspection.
Expect longer lines, especially during peak hours, at Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) stations over the next four days as fewer trains will be operating to give way to a “thorough inspection” of the fleet.
Deo Manalo, MRT-3 director for operations, said on Wednesday that to ensure passenger safety, only 15 trains from the usual 20 will be running starting at 2 p.m. of June 14. The speed of the trains will also be reduced from 40 kph to 20 kph.
According to Manalo, there is a need to check the entire fleet after one of the trains made a “strange sound” and swayed “excessively” from side to side at 7:25 p.m. Tuesday.
The incident prompted MRT officials to unload the train’s passengers at Santolan station and limiting operations to between Shaw and Taft stations.
A check showed that the axle of the bogie system (the framework holding the wheels) under the driver’s coach was broken. But Manalo said it was still premature to conclude whether the crucial part attached to the wheels broke because of mechanical, maintenance or design issues.
MRT officials decided to reduce the number of operating trains for the next four days to allow a check of the axles in other units, he added.
He stressed, however, that the broken axle was a “first” and a “unique incident” for the country’s busiest train system, which serves an average of 463,000 passengers a day.
He asked for understanding and patience from passengers as their travel time would be longer.
With the train speed reduced to just 20 kph, travel time from North Edsa to Taft Avenue will now take 50 minutes from the usual 35. Queues at the stations are also expected to be longer.
Those waiting in line can still make efficient use of their time since MRT stations now offer free Wi-Fi, Manalo added.
Normal operations could immediately resume if the maintenance provider, Busan Universal Rail Inc., would complete the check before Monday, he said.
