MANILA – The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) on Thursday announced the extension of the trial period of the rail line’s first Dalian train set to allow further observation of its performance.
In a statement, the MRT-3 said the Dalian train, which was supposed to end its dry run on Oct. 31, will instead resume its nightly operation, from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., until Nov. 30.
“Ang dahilan ng pagpapalawig ng initial trial period ay upang maobserbahan pang mabuti ang performance ng Dalian train set sa linya ng MRT-3 (The reason for the extension of the trial period is to allow for further observation the performance of the Dalian train set in the MRT-3 line),” the MRT-3 said.
The rail operator added that extending the use of the Dalian train this November would also help in the coming rush of commuters this holiday season.
MRT-3 director for Operations Michael Capati, the Dalian train set has so far not shown any signs of problems or issues and was getting positive feedback from its passengers.
“Wala naman pong issues na lumabas. Noong tinanong po namin ang aming mga mananakay, satisfied naman po sila sa pagsakay at pag-launch natin ng Dalian train (No issues came up. When we asked our passengers, they said they were satisfied with their ride and the launch of our Dalian train)," Capati said.
However, the MRT-3 said once rail replacement begins, the operation of the Dalian train may be temporarily suspended.
On Oct. 14, Sumitomo-MHI-TESP, the MRT-3’s maintenance provider, signed an agreement that allowed the dry run of the Dalian train in the MRT-3.
A single Dalian train with its three passenger cars is capable of carrying about 1,050 passengers in a single trip, according to the MRT-3. (PNA)
