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MANILA, Philippines—For the commuters of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3, patience is a virtue.
The operations of the MRT 3, which runs the stretch of the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (Edsa) from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, has been in constant service disruption since early this year due to technical malfunctions.
The MRT 3 is one of three elevated railways serving as an alternative mode of transportation for commuters in Metro Manila.
But in recent months, it has drawn sharp criticisms from riders for the long queues at its stations during rush hour and for several operational glitches.
- On March 10, MRT operations were disrupted after one of its trains malfunctioned in Quezon City forcing other trains to halt their trips. The disruption of the operations caused long queues of commuters.
- On March 22, a computer glitch triggered the MRT operations and temporarily paralyzed its service.
(Read: Computer glitch triggers MRT service disruption)
- Two days after, March 24, another computer glitch hits the train causing a more than an hour of disruption on all its trains.
(Read: Computer glitch affects MRT3 )
- On March 26, at least 10 were hurt after an emergency braking system of an MRT train was activated before arriving at the Ayala Station in Makati City.
(Read: MRT train brake system goes haywire; 10 hurt)
- Earlier this Tuesday, April 15, operations of MRT stations was stalled anew due to broken railways.
(Read: MRT operations disrupted anew )
With these incidents, Al Vitangcol, the general manager of MRT embroiled in controversy, has received the fury from MRT commuters who often flooded social media, with their complaints.
Despite the extended operating hours of the MRT last February, many passengers are still complaining of long lines, especially during rush hour.
The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said the government is buying new trains to address the everyday woes commuters have to endure.