MRT-3 management cold on proposal to extend train hour operations

MANILA – Ahead of the opening of classes on August 29 for schoolyear 2023-2024, the management of Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-3 said it is not keen on adopting the proposals to extend its train operations until 12 midnight.

MRT-3 Director for Operations Engineer Oscar Bongon said all train sets undergo scheduled maintenance activities at the depot after the last trip in the evening until before the first trip the next morning, and as such, the train line cannot afford to delay nor shorten its vital nighttime maintenance activities. 

“The maintenance activities are very vital since our trains are running through these lines. We are ensuring that from the tracks to the signaling areas and power, all of them are being checked to keep our operations reliable and safe,” Bongon explained.

Last week, the United Filipino Consumers and Commuters requested the MRT-3 management to extend its train operations to 12 midnight to accommodate passengers who rely on the MRT-3 to get back to their homes after a long day at school or work.

The MRT-3’s operation starts around 4:30 a.m. and ends at 10:30 p.m.

But Bongon emphasized that the MRT-3 also needs to maintain its trains, tracks, and other essential facilities. The nighttime maintenance of trains involves inspection, cleaning, trouble-shooting, washing, shunting or uncoupling, and other preventive activities, among others.

He said that the delay in the maintenance activities would affect the operations of their system.

“We need to ensure that our system is being maintained because if we fail to do so, this will slowly deteriorate,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said that MRT-3 was put on a heightened alert status in preparation for the opening of classes next week.

DOTr Sec. Jaime Bautista ordered the MRT-3 management to implement “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Balik Eskwela 2023” to keep student commuters safe and convenient while traveling to their schools.

Under Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Balik Eskwela, which will be implemented from August 22 to September 1, Bautista tasked all the divisions of MRT-3 to ensure there are enough personnel in every station to guide students and other commuters as they travel.

“We will also deploy personnel in our Operations Division to monitor our stations 24/7 so we can respond to any eventuality during the peak of the back to school program,” said DOTr Assistant Secretary for Railways and MRT-3 Officer-in-Charge Jorjette B. Aquino.

At present, Aquino said the MRT-3 has 18 train sets that are operational and running to its main line during the peak hours while around three to four spare trains are on standby. (MB)