Jea Nicole

Following a personal inspection on Monday, March 17, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon seeks prompt solutions in the operations of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).

Photo Courtesy of Philippine Airlines/RailProfessional.

In an interview, Dizon said the agency will prioritize extending its evening operations by an hour and deploying additional trains during peak hours.

"Papahabain po natin ang oras ng opening sa gabi, lalong lalo na para sa kababayan nating nagtatrabaho sa call center. Iyong mga hindi man hanggang alas-singko lang pero hanggang alas-nuwebe o alas-dies na nagtatrabaho pa, so papahabain po natin ng additional one hour,” he said. 

MRT-3's regular schedule begins with the first train departing North Avenue station at 4:36 a.m., followed by 4:37 a.m. on Saturdays and 4:38 a.m. on Sundays.

The final train from North Avenue leaves at 9:30 p.m. on all days of the week.

Moreover, Dizon added that they plan to install one or two additional trains, noting that the maximum capacity of each train is approximately 1,300 passengers.

"Mapapabilis ang turnover natin, ang pagsasakay at pag-travel ng ating mga kababayan at kahit paano, lumawag pa ang train."

In response to concerns about station cleanliness, he also shared plans on repainting markings and signs, increasing the supply of beep cards, and constructing a covered walkway through a partnership with the private sector. 

“"Kinausap namin halimbawa ang Ayala Group na baka pwede doon sa Northbound lane papunta sa BGC bus. Iyong mga bus na pababa ng Ayala Station papuntang Bonificio Global City, wala po kasing cover," he said. 

Dizon's inspection was conducted in light of the escalator malfunction at the MRT-3 Taft Avenue station on March 8.

As a result of the incident, which injured nearly a dozen passengers, he confirmed that general manager Oscar Bongon was fired from his post for failing to act quickly. The DOTr has yet to announce who will take place after Bongon. 

According to Dizon, the planned suggestions will likely take effect by the following week.