MRT-3 train stoppages worsening since 2009

This MRT train crashed and got derailed at the end of the station on Taft Avenue in Pasay City. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The service interruptions in the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) have been worsening since 2009, a report presented before the House of Representatives said.

As of July 2014, the average monthly service interruptions were at four train stoppages according to the MRT-3 report presented by Engineer Mike Narca during Tuesday’s hearing of the transportation committee.

Since 2009, service interruptions have become increasingly common according to the report.

“These are the issues that we consider train stoppages,” Narca said.

In 2008, the average monthly service interruptions were at 1.83 stoppages. But this went down to 1.75 in 2009.

In 2010, the average train stoppage increased to 2.08. This further went up to 2.42 in 2011, 2.5 in 2012 and 2.83 in 2013, Narca said.

Meanwhile, the average monthly unscheduled passenger unloading has gone down since 2011, he added.

In 2011, the unscheduled passenger unloading rate was at 38.17 times per month, Nacar said. This went down to 24.33 times in 2012, 23.17 times in 2013, and 18.86 times as of July 2014, he added.

“Some trains are defective that’s why we have to unload passengers without (them) reaching (their) destination,” Narca said.

The report also said that of 34 elevators in the MRT-3, only 23 are operational as of August 10.

Of 46 escalators, at least 37 are operational, while of 171 automatic gates, 158 are operational, Narca added.
The committee is hearing the situation of the MRT in light of the August 13 accident when an MRT train overshot the tracks at the Taft Avenue station, injuring at least 38 passengers.

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