Lawmaker seeks review of MRT, LRT operations

MANILA, Philippines - An administration lawmaker has called for a congressional inquiry into the safety and reliability of the elevated train systems in Metro Manila.

Valenzuela City Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian, vice chairman of the House committees on Metro Manila development, housing and urban development and tourism, filed House Resolution 1013 seeking to review the management and operations of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT).

“Most of our constituents travel through trains because of their speed and ease, but recent incidents of malfunction and very long queues plagued MRT and LRT passengers,” Gatchalian said.

“There are also concerns about the safety of patrons of both MRT and LRT lines. That is why a probe on the operations of our trains is necessary,” he added.

Over 10 passengers were hurt last month when three coaches of the MRT suddenly stopped as the emergency brake system was set off.

MRT operations were also limited to Shaw Boulevard station from North Avenue station for a day due to glitches in the computer system.

A commotion at the LRT station in Doroteo Jose caused by a brake malfunction was also reported last month.

The lawmaker cited the statement of Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya that the MRT gets worn out faster because an estimated 560,000 passengers ride the train daily, far from its 350,000-passenger capacity.

The solution, according to MRT 3 gene­ral manager Al Vitangcol, is to buy more coaches. Gatchalian, however, noted that even the acquisition of new MRT trains is marred with alleged extortion.