MRT computer hangs, limits train run

A computer glitch hit the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) on Saturday, significantly limiting the operations of the train system on Edsa.

As of 7 p.m., the 17-km line was running only from North Avenue station in Quezon City to Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City, according to MRT general manager Al Vitangcol III.

The disruption paralyzed the rest of the way going to Taft Avenue station in Pasay City, where the computer malfunction was traced.

“Intervention still ongoing” at press time, Vitangcol said in a text message. “We are exerting all efforts to have it fixed.”

“The computer that feeds data to the signaling system hanged. Without it, our control center cannot see our trains from Buendia (Makati) to Taft,” he said. “Hence, for safety reasons, we can’t allow the trains to go beyond Shaw. The trains have to go back to North Avenue from Shaw.”

More than half a million commuters take the 15-year-old MRT daily.