MRT-3 rolls out second Dalian train

MANILA, Philippines — The second Dalian train hit the tracks of the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3) on Tuesday, nearly over a month after its first train set was rolled out.

MRT-3 Director for Operations Mike Capati confirmed this to INQUIRER.net in a text message following the train update of the management.

“This is the 2nd train set undergoing 150 (hours) test,” Capati said.

At 10 a.m., the second train set of Dalian with three coaches was rolled out to the public and was used until 2 p.m.

Like the first train set, the second Dalian train would undergo a 150-hour test before it could fully be rolled out.

A 150-hour test takes around 33 revenue days.

The first set of Dalian, which was rolled out in October, has just finished its 150-hour battery test last Nov. 21

READ: MRT 3 adds first dalian train to regular run

However, it was put back to the depot of the MRT-3 as the management awaits for the Philippine National Railways (PNR) report on its performance.

Aside from Sumitomo, MRT-3’s service provider, the PNR also supervised some parts of the Dalian trains during the battery test conducted.

Recently, Senator Grace Poe, head of the Senate public works committee, slammed the roll out of the Dalian train on the tracks of the MRT-3

According to Poe, one working Dalian train is nothing to be proud of given the length of the waiting time before the country rolled out a single train.

“People have been asking me: What can you say now that one of the Dalian trains is working? Eh ‘di masaya (Well, I’m happy),” Poe said during a forum.

“But remember this: we bought the trains in 2014. It’s 2018 now. Of the 16 trains, 48 coaches, only one train is running. Is this really something to be proud of?” she asked. /je

READ: Poe: Lone running Dalian train no cause for celebration