FILE PHOTO: New train coaches of MRT-3. INQUIRER FILES
Passengers of Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) are expected to have better riding experience after the complete overhaul of all 72 train coaches to improve operations and avoid unloading incidents. In a statement on Friday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it completed this week the restoration of the 23-year-old fleet of light rail vehicles. The restoration increased train availability to 18 to 21 train sets at peak hours from only 10 to 15 train sets previously. The rehabilitation also increased train speed to 60 kilometers per hour (kph) from 30 kph and cut travel time to half an hour from 1 hour and 15 minutes previously. “Passengers can expect more comfortable and convenient train rides as all the train coaches have been repaired and restored to good condition,” MRT-3 Director for Operations Engr. Oscar Bongon said. The train overhauling project started in 2019. —Tyrone Jasper C. Piad