MRT 3 to extend operating hours

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said on Thursday that the Metro Rail Transit 3 will extend operating hours beginning February 4 to give commuters another option to beat the traffic.

The DOTC said the longer hours of service will be tested for one month to determine whether it will be viable in the long run.

"This is part of our program to mitigate the traffic situation. Based on the test run, we will monitor how much passengers are willing to alter their riding habits by commuting earlier in the morning or later in the evening. We will also see whether this will encourage motorists to take the train instead of their cars," DOTC spokesperson Michael Arthur Sagcal said.

Currently, the rail system’s regular hours of operation are from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. 

For the first two work weeks or from February 24 until March 7, the MRT-3 Office will start operations at 4:30 a.m. from the North Avenue station and 5 a.m. from the Taft Avenue station.

In the two succeeding work weeks, or from March 10 to March 21, it will also extend the evening runs up to 10:30 p.m. from the North Avenue station and 11 p.m. from the Taft Avenue station, in addition to the earlier opening hours.

After the four-week testing period, the MRT-3 Office will make its recommendation to the DOTC on whether the extended operating hours may be regularized, based on its impact on commuters, daily train maintenance requirements, and the additional cost of operation.

"Our limitations are on maintenance and costs. For maintenance, the coaches have to be checked every night to ensure safety. It seems that we will be able to shorten the turnover process without compromising actual maintenance hours.  As for costs, the testing period will allow us to project how much more we need to spend to make it sustainable over time," Sagcal said.

The DOTC has previously announced that the Philippine National Railways will begin its special coach service to ply the Tutuban to Sta. Rosa route as another mitigating step to help ease traffic. 

Together with the Light Rail Transit Authority , the DOTC is also finalizing options through which LRT Lines 1 and 2 can accommodate more travelers who will be affected by the various construction works in Metro Manila.