The MRT-3 currently serves about 350,000 passengers daily. That capacity is about to get boosted up to an estimated 500,000, though, following an announcement that Line 3 will be upgrading to a 4-car train operation. Hooray for train commuters of Line 3!
4-car MRT-3 train operations part of rehabilitation plan
Photo: DOTr
The MRT-3 has been running on a 3-car configuration. The additional car will up the capacity of trains per travel which, in its totality, can now go up to half a million commuters per day. The DOTr sees this as a safer, faster, and more comfortable means to travel via Line 3 of the Metro Rail Transit while also providing better service.
The upgrade comes after the ceremonial signing of the rehabilitation and maintenance contract extension between the DOTr and Sumitomo Corporation. “We also expect Sumitomo to enhance MRT-3’s operational efficiency by using four-car train sets from the existing three-car sets. This will allow more passengers to traverse the length of EDSA, complementing the convenience offered by the EDSA Bus Carousel,” Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said.
Photo: DOTr
“More passengers will be accommodated by MRT-3, increasing significantly its daily ridership into more than half a million passengers a day,” Bautista added.
The now-extended contract of Sumitomo to handle all repair and maintenance works for the MRT-3 will be effective until July 2025.
Additionally, the rehabilitation works include the extension of the Taft pocket track. This will allow the accommodation of the 4-car trains along the mainline of Line 3.
Photo: DOTr
Sumitomo Corporation is the original designer, builder, and maintenance provider of the MRT-3. With this contract extension, their thorough familiarity with the entire line will be crucial in being able to assess and provide the best service, maintenance, and care for the tracks, trains, and passengers alike.
With the additional car, we would like to agree that it will make for faster and better travel for passengers. Let’s not forget, though, that using the trains still warrants the wearing of facemasks. Let’s all stay safe and keep safe, ladies and gentlemen.
