A new tranche of the MRT-3 Rehabilitation Project has commenced after the last one was announced completed a few years ago. This time, the project focuses on maintenance and improving the safety of the MRT-3 for its passengers.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed an agreement with the Department of Finance (DOF) on Tuesday, March 3. JICA will provide a P8.2B loan for the rehabilitation of the MRT-3, which includes Japanese technology and expertise for maintaining and repairing aging trains and facilities.
This partnership will help in maintaining key parts of the MRT-3, such as the rolling stock, tracks, signaling, power systems, and station facilities. It will also secure the supply of spare parts, construction management support, and maintenance management capacity-building initiatives.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
Anti-Road Rage Act filed in Congress with harsher penalties
New Electric Love Bus route to operate between Robinsons Galleria and Eastwood City
To reduce waiting times during peak hours, a transition to four-car trains will also take effect, increasing each train’s capacity by 394 passengers.
“For Filipinos, this means three important things,” said DOF secretary Frederick Go. “First, it means fewer delays. Second, it means shorter waiting times. Third, it means a more comfortable and predictable ride to work, to school, and back home to their families.”
Aside from improving safety, promoting ridership, and mitigating traffic congestion and air pollution, the project also contributes to three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Namely: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Sustainable Cities and Communities; and Climate Action.
The MRT-3 Rehabilitation Project is expected to be completed by October 2027. What is your experience with the current MRT-3? Let us know in the comments.
