MRT partially suspends operations; thousands stranded

MRT operations were suspended again between the North Avenue and Ortigas Avenue stations due to ‘technical problems.’ INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

THOUSANDS of disappointed passengers flooded the southbound lane of Edsa in Quezon City Thursday morning after the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) abruptly suspended operations.

Saying a southbound train suddenly stopped between the GMA-Kamuning and Cubao stations, MRT personnel announced the stoppage of train service from the North Avenue terminal in Quezon City to the Ortigas Avenue Station in Mandaluyong City at about 6:30 a.m.

Reports said the train stopped after its brakes malfunctioned and unexpectedly engaged.

Operations resumed at 8:15 a.m. after the train with the failed brakes was removed, a radio report said.

The suspension prompted hundreds of MRT commuters already in the station to stream out onto Edsa, hoping to catch a bus towards Makati.

Soon, they occupied at least two lanes of the main thoroughfare, further aggravating early morning traffic in the area.

Television news footage showed MRT security personnel standing at the entrance of the North Avenue station holding up signs announcing the suspension of operations.

The signs also said operations were only between the Shaw Boulevard (Mandaluyong City) Station and the Taft Avenue (Pasay City) terminal.

Due to the suspension of operations, thousands of MRT morning commuters in four other stations: GMA, Cubao, Boni and Ortigas, were affected. CB

Originally posted at 7:05 a.m., April 30, 2015

Updated at 8:35 a.m., April 30, 2015, to add cause of suspension and resumption of operation.