MRT-3 completes overhaul of coaches

The Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) this week completed the 5-year overhaul of its 72 train coaches or light rail vehicles (LRVs) and can now deploy 18 to 21 train sets at peak hours. Before, MRT3 can only deploy a maximum of 10 to 15 train sets at peak hours. The rail line accepted the last train coach overhauled for revenue service Thursday (February 2, 2023). The complete overhauling of the 23-year-old fleet of the rail line allows MRT-3 to expand its train capacity. All of the newly-overhauled LRVs have undergone required quality and safety checks to ensure they are in good condition and safe for passengers' use. "Passengers can now expect more comfortable and convenient train rides as all train coaches have been repaired and restored to good condition,” says MRT-3 Director for Operations Engr. Oscar B. Bongon. The overhauling project began in 2019 with the reinstatement of Sumitomo-MHI-TESP as the maintenance provider of MRT-3. The Sumitomo-MHI-TESP is the Japanese consortium that designed and built the MRT-3 system, and had maintained it from the start of operations in 2000 until 2012, when their contract expired. The massive rehabilitation of the MRT-3 rail line was also completed by Sumitomo-MHI-TESP in December 2021. It covered the upgrades of the MRT-3 subsystems, including the replacement of the whole stretch of its revenue tracks, and the upgrading of signaling system, among others. The completed rehabilitation of the MRT-3 rail line increased the train operating speed from 30 kph to 60 kph, reduced headway from 8.5-9 mins to 3.5-4 mins during peak hours and 5 mins during off-peak hours. The travel time had also been reduced from 1hr and 15 mins to only 30-35 mins from North Avenue Station to Taft Avenue Station.