MRT-3 deploying first Dalian train today, October 15

MANILA, Philippines – The Metro Rail Transit Line 3’s (MRT-3) will deploy a China-made Dalian train for a limited run starting today, October 15, 2019, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced.

DOTr said Dalian Corp.’s three- coach train, which can carry 1,050 passengers per trip, will run during evening off-peak hours from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

The train is the first of only three Dalian trains that have so far completed validation tests, including a 150-hour test run.

The deployment of the first Dalian train has the consent of MRT’3’s maintenance provider, Sumitomo Corporation-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries – TES Philippines, the DOTr said.

The Dalian train will only be deployed for an initial trial period up to the start of the rail replacement in November 2019.

DOTr said officials of MRT-3, Sumitomo Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are currently discussing technical considerations of Dalian trains amid the planned replacement of MRT-3 tracks.

The Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) has also given its concurrence to the Dalian trains agreement with Sumitomo, the agency added. /gsg