MRT-3 sets new operating hours for Dalian trains

A prototype of the Chinese-made Dalian coaches (Photo from the Department of Transportation)

The first set of Dalian coaches for the Metro Rail Transit-3 will have a new service schedule starting Saturday, the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) management said Friday.

MRT-3 director for operations Michael Capati told INQUIRER.net the trains from China-based CRRC Dalian Co. Ltd. would be deployed from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. during weekends, as part of its ongoing 1,000-kilometer test run.

During weekdays, Dalian trains will be in service during off-peak hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On Thursday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the Dalian coaches must first finish the 1,000-kilometer test run for 150 hours before being used during peak-hours operations of the MRT-3.

READ: DOTr: First set of Dalian coaches for MRT-3 currently on 150-hour test run

With the 150-hour requirement, Capati said they expect to complete the test run next month, noting that as of Thursday night, the train was already deployed for 54 hours.

“Next month target matapos ng 150 hours. As of Thursday night, nakapag operate na ang Dalian train ng 54 hours,” he said in a text message.

Three of the 45 Dalian coaches have started to roll on the MRT-3 tracks last October 27. A total of 48 Dalian coaches were purchased during the Aquino administration for the MRT-3, but were stored in the MRT-3 depot for three years due to alleged “compatibility issues.”  /kga