The management of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) said a 24-hour operation may not be implemented “anytime soon” as the vital nighttime maintenance activities for the train line cannot be shortened or delayed.
In a statement released by the Department of Transportation on Thursday, MRT-3 Director for Operations Oscar Bongon said that any delays in the scheduled maintenance may possibly affect other portions of the rail system for the next trips.
“Napaka-vital po nito kasi ito po ‘yung ating linya, dito po tumatakbo ‘yung mga tren natin. Ini- ensure natin na from the tracks to the signalling and then the power lahat po yan tsine-check natin para reliable ang ating operations at saka ‘yung safety nai-ensure natin na walang aberya sa revenue period,” said Bongon.
“Tayo po, iisa lang ang linya natin so we really have to maintain it. ‘Yun po ang kaibahan. Gaya sa Japan o Europe, marami silang linyang magkakasabay so pwedeng during nighttime na konti ang passenger demand, papatayin niya ang ibang linya at imaintain ‘yun at salitan ‘yun so they can operate 24 hours,” he added.
According to Bongon, the nighttime maintenance procedure includes a routine inspection, cleaning, trouble-shooting, washing, shunting or uncoupling, and other preventive activities, among others.
Meanwhile, MRT-3 aims to expand the current three-car train system to four-car trains to accommodate more passengers.
“Kasama yan sa kontrata ng Sumitomo na ‘pag natapos niya na ‘yung expansion pwede na tayong mag four-car train bago po matapos ang 2025,” Bongon said.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News
