DOTr eyes removal of X-ray machines at MRT 3 stations
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is considering removing X-ray scanner machines at all Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) stations to speed up the entry of passengers.
Citing his experience in riding the MRT 3, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon pointed to the X-ray machines that scan the belongings of passengers as the reason for the long lines at stations.
“Hopefully, with the help of the DICT (Department of Information and Communications and Technology), we can implement additional security measures in our stations so we can eventually eliminate the X-ray machines, which are the main cause of long lines,” he said in a TV interview.
READ: MRT-3 posts 5.3% ridership increase in 2024
“In other countries, when you board their MRT, subway, or metro, there are no x-rays, because they use advanced technologies to ensure both passenger and facility security,” Dizon added.
As part of the security protocols at MRT 3, only passengers without bags are allowed to bypass the X-ray scanners.
Dizon said the DOTr has deployed additional law enforcement personnel and K-9 units across all 13 MRT 3 stations.
Dizon and Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, along with other government officials, inspected some of the stations on Monday following instructions from President Marcos to “improve the daily plight of commuters.”
4-coach trains
In line with this, the MRT 3 started deploying on Monday three four-coach trains during peak hours in the morning and afternoon to accommodate more passengers. The 16 other trains will maintain the current three-car configuration.
Each car can carry up to 394 passengers, meaning a four-car train can accommodate over 1,500 commuters.
“Following the directives of the President to improve the daily plight of commuters, this move is part of [our] effort to ensure safe and comfortable travel while giving back time to commuters,” the MRT 3 said in a statement.
According to Dizon, he is discussing with Sumitomo Corp., the train line’s maintenance provider, the possible deployment of additional train cars to increase the MRT 3’s carrying capacity.
He is also coordinating with the private operators of Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 about doing the same.
At the same time, the DOTr and DICT are looking into the possibility of providing free Wi-Fi access to commuters, with MRT 3 stations considered as the sites for pilot testing.
