Secretary Vince Dizon of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has advised the MRT-3 management to look into extending the train line’s operating hours. Along with that, the official has also suggested adding more trains during peak hours to accommodate the influx of commuters.
These recommendations were made after Dizon inspected the Shaw, Ayala, and Taft MRT-3 stations this week, and noticed the long queues and high foot traffic. He and other DOTr officials also took suggestions from MRT-3 operators and employees during the inspection.
At the time of writing, the MRT-3 starts its trips from North Avenue at 4:30am, with the final train departing at 9:30pm. Meanwhile, the first trip from Taft Avenue leaves at 5:05am and concludes at 10:09pm. Dizon aims to have the train system push back its final trips by at least an hour.
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Over the 2024 holiday season, the MRT-3 was able to extend its operating schedule by an hour to accommodate the Christmas rush. However, the DOTr at the time stressed that the train systems cannot handle extended operations as the trains require nightly servicing and maintenance.
MRT-3 general manager Oscar Bongon was also relieved of his position shortly after Dizon and the DOTr announced their suggestions. This comes in the midst of train breakdowns and an escalator malfunction that left 10 commuters injured.
The DOTr has yet to announce who will replace Bongon, or when its suggestions will take effect.
