MRT-3 boosts capacity by 30%

The Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-3 will boost its maximum passenger capacity from 13 percent (51 pax per train car, 153 passengers per train set,) to 30 per cent (124 pax per train car, 372 passengers per train set), starting today, October 19, 2020. Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade has ordered the railways sector to increase the maximum passenger capacity of trains to accommodate more commuters, the DOTr announced today (Oct. 17). “In addition to increasing our train capacity, our passengers can also expect more trains to be deployed along the mainline, shorter waiting time, and faster travel time," according to MRT-3 Director for Operations Michael J. Capati. To complement the increase in transport capacity, MRT3 will enforce strict health and safety protocols. To ensure faster commute and reduced train headway, MRT-3 is continuously working on the deployment of more train sets. The railway was able to deploy 22 train sets along its mainline on September 21, 2020, the highest number of running trains recorded in history. (Emmie V. Abadilla)