The Department of Transportation said it deployed 21 train sets on the mainline of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) last Wednesday, the first time in the rail line’s history. 

This allows the MRT-3 to shorten the waiting time interval between trains, and enables the rail line to increase its passenger capacity.

“This is a product of DOTr and MRT-3’s collaboration to improve the rail line’s service for the riding public. We want to keep our commitment to provide our passengers with the best service they can experience,” MRT-3 Director for Operations Michael J. Capati said.

In a span of two days, the MRT-3 managed to exceed the 20 train sets running and operational that was recorded last September 14, 2020.

Further, the MRT-3 recorded no unloading incident for the past three months or since the resumption of public transportation on June 1, 2020 under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ), and while on limited capacity. 

Last unloading incident prior to the enforcement of community quarantines was recorded on  March 8, 2020. 

The overhaul of light rail vehicles (LRVs) and rail replacement works in the entire rail line are part of the massive rehabilitation and maintenance works being done by the Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy from Japan. The rehabilitation project is expected to be completed in July 2021.

Health and safety protocols are being strictly observed inside the train such as observing appropriate physical distancing, wearing of face shield and face mask, no eating, no talking and answering of calls on any digital device.