More MRT trains on track this month

Commuters may be in for some relief as the maintenance provider of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) expects additional trains to go into operation this month.

Busan Universal Rail, which started maintenance work on MRT-3 in January, said the elevated rail system was already running with 18 trains, each consisting of three passenger cars, following the overhaul of coaches.

MRT had about 13 trains when Busan started its contract.

“Based on our latest projection, we intend to put into maximum operations within the month 65 to 66 cars or 22 trains which could assure 20 operational trains on peak hours,” Charles Perfecto Mercado, Busan spokesperson said.

“We are scheduled to do major overhaul and restoration of 43 cars. We are about to finish at least four cars and these are being implemented simultaneously with the restoration of other cars,” Mercado said. —MIGUEL R. CAMUS