Stopping MRT ops will be a huge inconvenience, says MRT exec

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Stopping the operations of the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) even if only temporarily will cause a huge inconvenience to the public, MRT director for operations Mike Capati said on Thursday.

This was in response to Sen. Grace Poe’s suggestion to the MRT-3 officials to decide whether they should stop the train operations to fix the technical problems of the MRT coaches.

READ: Poe: DOTr should consider stopping MRT operations to fix problems

“Napakahirap. Gustuhin man namin i-total shut down malaking abala sa buong publiko ang mangyayari,” he said.

(This would be hard. As much as we wanted to, shutting down totally the MRT operations will be a huge inconvenience to the public.)

Train operations were disrupted on Thursday morning after a link between two MRT coaches got detached while in transit before approaching the northbound of Buendia and Ayala station, forcing passengers to disembark.

READ: MRT-3 ‘provisional service’ affects early morning commuters

This incident was unusual from the almost regular cases of technical glitches experienced by the MRT-3. Two days ago, a passenger nearly lost her arm in an MRT-3 accident.

Capati said they have “mitigating measures” to enhance their services. The MRT-3 will reduce its operating hours by an hour starting Friday (5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.) to give more time for maintenance and ensure the safety of the passengers. /jpv