MRT-3 unloads 750 passengers

MANILA, Philippines — A few days after recording zero unloading incidents in the last week of February, the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) unloaded more than 700 commuters yesterday due to electrical failure.

The MRT-3 said that a southbound train unloaded around 750 commuters upon reaching GMA-Kamuning station in Quezon City at around 2:06 p.m. 

Affected commuters were transferred to the next train a few minutes after the incident while the affected train was removed from the tracks and brought to the rail line’s depot in Quezon City for repairs. 

The MRT-3 attributed the problem to electrical failure due to worn-out electrical sub-components. 

Meanwhile, a lawmaker said yesterday that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) should not consider the one-week zero glitch in the MRT-3’s operation as an accomplishment.

“Compared to almost two years of consistent glitches and offloading of passengers, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade should not even publicize his supposed achievement,” Ariel Casilao of Anakpawis said.

He said from January to February this year, 36 glitches were recorded, resulting in the offloading of passengers along the railway tracks.

He added that problems vary from electrical failure, signaling error, malfunctioning speedometer, and smoke emissions. 

“The problems were so severe to the point that only three MRT trains were actually operating last Feb. 14,” Casilao stressed.

Tugade attributed the zero glitch between Feb. 21 and 28 to the availability of spare parts.

He promised better service after the Holy Week, when MRT management has scheduled the overhauling of some trains.

Casilao reminded Tugade that he has repeatedly vowed to improve MRT service or he would resign.

He said the DOTr chief has failed to fulfill his promise but has not resigned.

He recalled that President Duterte made the same commitment to upgrade the rail line’s service but has not done so.

He said Tugade should just keep quiet about the small accomplishments he is making and not make it appear that stressed passengers owe him a debt of gratitude. – Jess Diaz