MRT-3 resumes operations after latest glitch

MANILA, Philippines - Operations of the Metro Rail Transit resumed early yesterday after completion of repairs of the train’s communications system, with Malacañang taking the cudgels for the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) after it was criticized for the series of MRT breakdowns.

Light Rail Transit and MRT spokesperson Hernando Cabrera said in his Twitter account that MRT operations resumed at 4:30 a.m. with the train’s communications restored.

MRT operations were suspended beginning at past 12 p.m. last Saturday because the train line’s control center was unable to give instructions to train drivers.

Cabrera explained it was not safe to operate the MRT because the two-way continuous and constant communication between train operators and the control center is vital for the safe operations of the train line.

MRT operations were supposed to resume at around 5 p.m. but the communications system was not restored, prompting management to suspend train services until Saturday evening.

Malacañang reminded the public that the safety of passengers is always the priority.

“It is clear that at any time, in the judgment of the operator and administrator the (train) operations are not safe and need to be suspended, safety will always be paramount,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in Filipino.

Last Aug. 13, a defective MRT train slammed into a barrier at Taft Avenue station, injuring at least 36 passengers and damaging vehicles in the area.

The DOTC said investigations pointed to human error as the cause of the accident. The agency is set to initiate administrative cases against two train operators and two control center supervisors for failing to follow standard operating procedures.

The government is also set to bid out a longer maintenance contract as the one-year contract of Autre Potre Technique Global Inc. to maintain the MRT is set to expire on Sept. 5.

The DOTC has also reduced the speed of MRT trains to 40 kilometers per hour from 55 kph to 60 kph to prevent recurring breakdowns and accidents.

The DOTC will monitor the strict observance of all safety and operational procedures and policies, including immediate evacuation of passengers to the nearest station.  – With Delon Porcalla, Rainier Allan Ronda