DOTr to put in stringent security protocols at MRT-3

MRT-3 (File photo from Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on Thursday that more rigorous security protocols would be enforced at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) to deter passengers from intentionally or unintentionally jumping or falling onto the railway track.

Wednesday’s incident in which a female passenger leaped onto the rail track prompted the proposal to add platform screen doors, according to Jorjette Aquino, Assistant Secretary for Railways in the Department of Transportation and officer-in-charge of MRT-3. The purpose of the screen doors is to create a physical barrier. The 73-year-old passenger later died at a hospital.

The incident temporarily suspended MRT-3’s operation between Shaw Boulevard Station and Taft Avenue Station on Wednesday.

“In the meantime, station personnel and the Security Services provided will be instructed to implement strict measures to prevent the passengers from crossing the yellow line/marker in the platforms while the trains have not yet come to a full stop at the stations,” said Aquino.

Aquino said DOTr-MRT3 has been proposing the installation of platform barriers, but it was never adopted due to budgetary constraints.

“The DOTr-MRT3 will still pursue the proposal,” she said.

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