More trains eyed for MRT-3
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is looking to increase the number of trains on the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) after the delivery next month of the first batch of spare parts to get defective trains running again.
“With the help of these (spare parts), we would be able to increase the number of trains running every day and reduce service interruptions,” the DOTr said yesterday.
The DOTr said it started to procure the necessary spare parts for the MRT-3 when it formed the maintenance transition team (MTT) last November.
The MTT took over the responsibility of handling the maintenance of the MRT-3 after the government terminated its contract with Busan Universal Rail Inc. for failure to comply with obligations and to procure spare parts.
The DOTr said BURI, the former maintenance provider of MRT-3, was only able to overhaul three train cars instead of 43 from 2016 to 2017.
The target under the MTT is to have 15 trains during peak hours and 12 trains at off-peak hours.
There were instances earlier this week, however, when the MRT-3 had only seven to eight trains running.
The DOTr has sought the public’s understanding as it undertakes measures to address the problems of the MRT-3.
MRT-3, which spans North Avenue station in Quezon City until Taft station in Pasay City, has been going through a series of breakdowns and service interruptions due to supposed substandard maintenance in the past years.
Part of the steps being taken by the government to address the problems of the MRT-3 is to enter into a government-to-government agreement with Japan for the much-needed rehabilitation, and maintenance provider for the train system.
The governments of the Philippines and Japan have earlier exchanged notes and the next step is for the Japan International Cooperation Agency to conduct a feasibility study for the scope of work to be done.
The DOTr said earlier the signing of the loan agreement and procurement of the new provider would take place in March to April, while mobilization of the new firm is expected to take place within the second quarter of this year.