MANILA, Philippines -- The Metro Rail Transit or MRT-3 on EDSA (Epifanio delos Santos Avenue) is going on 24-hour operations starting June 1, a transportation official said.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) decided to expand its business hours as studies revealed that many commuters, especially workers in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, needed a safe and reliable mode of transportation late at night or early in the morning, said transportation undersecretary and MRT-3 general manager Reynaldo Berroya.

Citing the study, Berroya said most call center agents were found to leave their offices at around midnight and at 4 a.m.

“At this period, most buses and jeepneys are in their garages already,” Berroya said.

The expanded operation is also seen to benefit commuters who may be stranded in the event of flooding during the rainy season, he said.

Security guards will be posted in stations and in trains to keep passengers safe during the late-night operation, he said.