MRT-3 General Manager Roman Buenafe. Photo by Nestor Corrales/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines— The technical problem that hit the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3), which hurt three commuters on Tuesday, may happen again, an MRT official said.
Speaking to reporters, MRT general manager Roman Buenafe said the automatic brakes of two operational MRT trains suddenly were activated causing an abrupt stop.
Buenafe said a southbound train of the MRT made a sudden stop before approaching Santolan station in Quezon City at around 9:30 a.m.
He said another train experienced the same incident at around 10:53 a.m. while approaching the Magallanes station.
According to him, two were hurt in the incident at the Santolan station while one was hurt in the incident at the Magallanes station.
In an earlier report by INQUIRER.net, passengers “fell like dominoes” after the train abruptly stopped twice during its operation.
Reports said the train, which got stalled along the Santolan station, already experienced an abrupt stop while approaching the Quezon Avenue station but the train operator continued.
Buenafe confirmed that such reports have reached his office and assured that he would investigate the driver to explain the incident.
The MRT official admitted that the incident “may happen again” due to the poor condition of the train’s railway.
“Dahil luma na ‘yung railway, natatagtag ‘yung train mga signal sensors kaya naa-activate ‘yung automatic brake,” he said.
He also mentioned that MRT trains are already old and needs replacement.
As of posting time, only 14 of the 22 trains are operational.
He mentioned that though the other trains are operational, their air-conditioning system and windshield are not functioning, making them not fit for operation.
Asked if the MRT is still safe, he said he is aware of the risk the trains posed to commuters that’s why he advised passengers to follow instructions inside the train especially holding the hand rails.
According to him, the solutions to the problems faced by the MRT-3 are “doable” and its management is doing its best to address the concerns.
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