MRT-3 studying extension of train hours

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The management of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) said on Thursday that it would study the proposal extending the operating hours of its trains.

The management said that while it welcomed the proposal, the measure would require additional working hours for train personnel and electricity costs.

“We will study the proposal given the changes in the current MRT-3 ridership profile as compared to when the extended hours were tested in the past,” the management said in a statement.

“Please note that while we echo our pledge of providing a quality, fast, and reliable service to our commuters, we also need to consider that our two-decade old trains need to have sufficient time for preventive maintenance works,” it added.

The reaction of the management stemmed from the proposal of the chairman of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development last Monday to extend the operating hours of trains for at least another two hours.

The MRT currently operates from 5:30 am until 10:30 pm while the Light Rail Transit operates from 4:30 am until 10 pm.

This, according to Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo, would help ease road congestion and help passengers get relief from heavy traffic at night.

The MRT-3 management also noted that preventive maintenance for its trains have been squeezed into four hours.

Preventive maintenance work is performed regularly during non-operating hours to avoid breakdowns in the trains, the management added.

The maintenance work ensures that the trains and tracks are in good operating condition.

“We wish to stress that regular and efficient preventive maintenance helps ensure smooth train operations, as well as prevents unloading incidents and service interruptions,” it said.

In 2018, the management of the MRT-3 reported a 90 percent drop in unloading incidents, compared to 2016 and 2017. /cbb

READ: MRT-3 reports 90% drop in unloading cases