19-8-2023 (MANILA) A commuter’s group is urging authorities to consider extending the operating hours of the Metro Rail Transit System-Line 3 (MRT-3) until midnight, citing the increasing transportation demands of the Philippine population.
Rodolfo “Ka RJ” Javellana Jr., president of the United Filipino Consumers and Commuters, responded on Saturday to the MRT-3 management’s claim that 24/7 services are not feasible due to maintenance requirements.
“We need a secure transportation service. That’s what we have with the MRT or LRT. I believe it’s possible to allocate two to four hours for repairs to ensure the safety of our commuters,” Javellana stated in a radio interview on Radyo 630.
“We are not asking for 24 hours; we just want enough time to address any necessary repairs or checks.”
Currently, the MRT-3 operates from approximately 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., leaving commuters and employees along EDSA with limited and often more expensive transportation options during the early hours of the morning.
In addition to the MRT-3, taxis, and ride-hailing services, the EDSA Bus Carousel provides transportation services in the area 24/7. However, the number of trips is reduced, particularly between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., resulting in longer waiting times at various stops.
“The transportation service doesn’t follow a fixed schedule… Progress will only happen when we see that the government can efficiently provide transportation services,” Javellana emphasized.
‘Trains Require Maintenance Downtime’
MRT-3 Director for Operations Engineer Oscar Bongon stated on Thursday that operating the MRT-3 24 hours a day is not possible due to essential nighttime maintenance. The maintenance activities are conducted after the last trip in the evening and before the first trip the next morning.
“During maintenance, we ensure that everything is thoroughly checked, from the tracks to the signaling systems and power supply, to ensure the reliability of our operations and prevent any issues during revenue-generating periods,” explained Bongon.
“Maintenance is necessary to prevent the gradual deterioration of our system.” Bongon further clarified that the nature of the MRT-3, being a single-line system unlike those in Europe and Japan, makes 24-hour operations unfeasible.
Nighttime train maintenance involves inspections, cleaning, troubleshooting, washing, shunting or uncoupling, and other preventive activities.
Previous Implementation of 24/7 MRT Operations
In June 2009, the MRT-3 previously operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which was positively received by workers and employees who needed to travel during unconventional hours.
However, the operation proved to be financially challenging, with costs outweighing revenues. As a result, the 24/7 operations were discontinued.
Currently, the MRT-3 has 24 three-car trains and is seeking to increase that number to four to accommodate more passengers.
