‘Longer MRT-3 hours impossible’

MANILA, Philippines — Extending the operating hours of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) remains impossible, an official has declared.

Currently, the first trains leave the MRT-3 North Avenue station at 4:30 a.m. and Taft Avenue station at 5:05 a.m.

The last train trips are at 9:30 p.m. from the North Avenue station, and at 10:09 p.m. from Taft Avenue station.

The window period from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. is usually reserved for the maintenance of the rail system, particularly train sets, according to MRT-3 officer-in-charge Jorjette Aquino, who is also assistant secretary of the Department of Transportation.

“We cannot extend the revenue hours of the MRT-3 because it will mean sacrificing the maintenance of the rail system,” Aquino told reporters during a recent media briefing.

She added the window period was the “shortest time” the MRT-3 management could give for maintenance activities.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista had earlier ordered the extension by one hour of the last trips of the MRT-3 and the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 as well as the Philippine National Railways, to transport more commuters during the Christmas celebration.