Poe to DOTr: Explain worsening problems in MRT-3

Sen. Grace Poe. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe on Wednesday asked the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to explain how they are addressing recent problems with the Metro Rail Transport-3 (MRT-3).

Poe, who chairs the Senate committee on public services, said the transportation department should lay out to the public its solutions to solve the problems of the MRT-3.

“Halos linggo-linggo na ang aberya sa MRT. Bakit parang lumalala pa ang kundisyon ng train habang kinukumpuni ito?” Poe said in a statement.

“The DOTr should explain to the people how it intends to solve this to allay the fears of the passengers,” the senator added.

Poe added that the maintenance work should make a difference to the line’s performance, ensuring the safety and convenience of its passengers.

“The ongoing maintenance work being undertaken by Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries-TES Philippines should start making a difference in the train’s daily grind,” Poe said.

“The MRT-3 transports hundreds of thousands of our kababayan everyday. Their safety and convenience are imperative,” she added.

On Wednesday morning, about 850 passengers were offloaded from a northbound MRT-3 train due to a defective door.

MRT-3’s management explained that the malfunction may be caused by “stress on door components caused by leaning on the door or forcing it open.” (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)

READ: Over 800 MRT-3 passengers offloaded due to door malfunction