MORE MRT-3 TRAINS RUNNING. Trains running along the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) main line on EDSA. The MRT-3 on Wednesday had 21 running trains along its main line after its maximum capacity was increased through comprehensive rehabilitation. (File photo)
MANILA – The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) on Wednesday fielded 21 trains running simultaneously along its main line, the first time since the rail service was built.
In a message on Thursday, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran said the MRT-3 previously only had a maximum capacity of 20 train sets running simultaneously.
“First time in history po na nakapag-field o nakapaglabas/nakapagpatakbo ang MRT-3 sa main line ng 21 train sets (This is the first time in its history that the MRT-3 was able to field or operate 21 train sets in the mainline),” Libiran said.
She noted that the MRT-3 plans to field up to 24 trainsets after the comprehensive rehabilitation of the rail service.
“Maximum capacity of the mainline now is 21 train sets. But the target is up to 24 train sets,” Libiran said.
In 2016, she said the MRT-3 had 22 operational trains, but only a maximum of 20 trains was fielded due to the limited maximum capacity of the rail service.
“Magkaiba ‘yung operational sa running trains on the mainline. December 2016, nagkaroon ng 22 operational trains. Pero 20 lang ang pinatakbo sa main line. 'Yung isa nasa boundary, 'yung isa nasa depot (Operational and running trains on the mainline are different. In December 2016, there were 22 operational trains. But only 20 were running on the main line),” Libiran said.
In a media bulletin, the MRT-3 said the increase in maximum running trains shortens the waiting interval between trains and increases the passenger capacity of the rail service.
On Monday, the MRT-3 was able to increase the maximum running trains on its mainline to 20 after its three Dalian trains were approved for operation, after months of testing.
The MRT-3 also reported that there were no unloading incidents for the past three months since the resumption of public transportation on June 1 when Metro Manila was placed under general community quarantine. (PNA)
