MRT gets failing grade; survey cites filthy toilets, defective elevators

MRT crowd INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Filthy comfort rooms, defective elevators and escalators, and long lines of passengers were among the common complaints of commuters as they gave the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) a failing grade in a random survey conducted by the office of Senator Grace Poe.

The survey was conducted by some staff members of the senator who rode the MRT last Thursday and Monday to inspect the conditions of the train system.

A staff member said the survey centered on six aspects—the queue, comfort rooms, escalator/elevator, ease of travel/comfort while riding, air-conditioning system, and the total riding experience.

In North Avenue station, for example,   one comment reads: “There is a foul smell wafting from the CRs.”

Another about the comfort rooms in Quezon Avenue station reads: “Urinal flush not functioning. Toilet bowls are filthy and faucets barely have running water.”

“May CR pala sa Taft,” one comment reads as there was no sign for comfort rooms at the Taft Avenue station.

In Shaw Boulevard station, one complained that it takes   one and a half hour to ride the train during the rush hour.

The most common complaint of the riding public was that the line of passengers usually extends out of the station.

In North Avenue, for instance, long lines reached the connecting bridge between Trinoma and the MRT station.

One comment also said that as early as 6 a.m., there were already “super long lines” in Ayala station .

“15 minutes travel time but it takes 2 hours or more to board the train,” the comment said.

In the case of elevators and escalators, most of the complaint was that it was either old, “not working” or out of order.

As to the ease of travel, one commuter commented: “Parang sardines. Chest to chest.”

One regular commuter described the total   riding experience as a failure.

“Overall implementation failed in terms of safety and ease. But like most commuters. I don’t have a choice but to ride the MRT to avoid the traffic,”   the unnamed passenger said.

Using the grading system of the University of the Philippines— from 1 (excellent) to   5 (failing)—the 13 stations of the MRT got an average grade of 3.83.

Poe’s staff member said the score was a failing grade.

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