MRT-3 mulls extended holiday season operating hours

MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) is considering extending its operating hours in November and December to address the expected surge in the number of passengers.

MRT-3 Director Michael Capati on Thursday said they are still studying whether or not they could extend the train system’s operating hours during the Christmas holidays, which  coincides with the replacement of the the train system’s tracks.

“Pinag-aaralan namin ‘yung extension ng oras kasi baka kakailanganin,” Capati told reporters in a press conference.

The 26-month rehabilitation of the MRT-3 kicked off in May this year and is scheduled for completion by July 2021.

Capati said the MRT-3 will start replacing old tracks by November, from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. daily.

He added that maintenance service provider Sumitomo Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), and TES Philippines (TESP) will be consulted on the matter.

“Kapag nag-extend ako ng isang oras, ang magiging repercussion niyan, mawawalan sila (maintenance provider) ng isang oras for replacement ng riles,” the MRT-3 official explained.

“Pag-aaralan namin, kasi baka mamaya aprubahan namin, ang magiging epekto naman, bawas ng isang oras sa pag-rehabilitate ng riles eh ‘yun ang priority natin kaysa doon sa pag-extend,” he added./gsg