MRT-3 to increase train speed to 40 kph starting Oct 1
MANILA, Philippines — Starting Oct. 1, trains of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 will be running at an increased speed of 40 kilometers per hour from the current 30 kph.
The MRT-3 management said on Wednesday that this is the result of the installation of new rails in MRT-3 stations as part of the massive rehabilitation of the rail line.
The operating speed of MRT-3 trains is set to gradually increase to 40 kph in October to 50 kph by November and 60 kph by December.
“Our next target is to increase the speed of our trains in the mainline, until it reaches 60kph” MRT-3 Director for Operations Michael Capati said in a statement.
Despite the ongoing pandemic and strict quarantine protocols, MRT-3 said it continued its rail replacement works.
It is also conducting monthly system checks to test the alignment of the new tracks, the Overhead Catenary System, and signaling and communications.
“Even during the implementation of strict community quarantine levels, with the approval of the IATF, we continued with the massive rehabilitation of the MRT-3, which includes replacing all worn out rails with new ones,” Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a statement.
The improvement of running speed is expected to reduce passengers’ waiting time from nine minutes to seven minutes, MRT-3 said.
