Wazzup Pilipinas!
With the aim of decongesting lines at Metro Rail Transit III (MRT-3) stations especially during peak hours, two (2) additional light rail vehicles (LRVs) or coaches previously on standby at the depot have been deployed regularly by management to somewhat improve the rail system’s ability to meet passenger demands.
“We welcome MRT-3’s report that it has increased the number of running coaches from 18 to 20, which translates to an increased capacity of 2,364 passengers per hour per peak direction (PPHPD). Passenger convenience is of course always a concern, so we hope this helps riders somewhat in their daily commute by reducing their queuing time and taking them to their destinations faster,” said Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Jun Abaya.
According to MRT-3’s report, the transit line had a carrying capacity of 17,730 PPHPD prior to the additional coaches’ deployment. It now stands at 20,094. As a result, queuing time has significantly decreased especially in congested stations, where long lines along street levels are now cleared as early as 8:00 in the morning as opposed to the previous 9:00am.
The additional deployment began in the first week of June on orders of its officer-in-charge, Honorito Chaneco, shortly after he assumed responsibility over MRT-3.