Aquino wants speedy solution to MRT problems

MANILA, Philippines—With half a million passengers riding the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) daily, President Benigno Aquino III has asked Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya to address recurring problems and improve the train’s performance.

“President Aquino directed Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and reliability of the mass transport service provided by MRT 3 and LRT (Light Rail Transit) 1 & 2,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a press briefing.

Metro Rail Transit (MRT). INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Coloma said Aquino wants to ensure the safety of the passengers, as well as the need to urgently address the issue.

“Siyempre, nandoon din iyong sense of urgency dahil nga napakaraming umaasa dito at batid natin na kailangan talaga iyong pasensiya para maunawaan ‘yung sitwasyon ng lack of facilities to meet the very heavy demand na lampas na doon sa kapasidad ng existing [MRT 3],” the Secretary said.

(Of course there is a sense of urgency because many people rely on the train and we know that patience is really needed to understand the situation of the lack of facilities to meet the very heavy demand that has exceeded the capacity of the MRT.)

The MRT is supposed to carry only 300,000 passengers a day but currently it accommodates around 500,000.

Coloma said Abaya presented to Aquino on Wednesday the DOTC’s plans for the MRT — purchase and repairs totaling P2.58 billion.

“Secretary Abaya informed the President that the scheduled delivery of 48 brand new coaches starting in September 2015 will increase the capacity of MRT 3 by 66 percent and improve headway (or the gap between trains) to 2.5 minutes,” he added.

Among the projects that will be implemented, also earlier announced to media by Abaya, are:

• Train overhaul and general repair for 28 cars with a budget of P1.156 billion;

• Upgrading of the power substations and ancillary systems at an estimated cost of P870 million;

• Upgrading of signaling system and computer software with a budget of P184.7 million;

• Upgrading of radio communication system at an estimated cost of P110 million;

• Replacement of old rail tracks with a budget of P119.5 million;

• Replacement of traction motors with a budget of P94.5 million; and

• Upgrading and replacement of elevators and escalators, especially for the benefit of persons with disability, senior citizens and pregnant women with a budget of P50 million

Coloma said the procurement of the said goods and services are either ongoing or will start soon.

Many of the projects will be completed by next year.

Abaya earlier said the new contract for the next maintenance provider will last for three years instead of one, to give ample time for procurement of equipment.

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