MRT passengers increase after 50% discount

MANILA, Philippines — Daily ridership in the Metro Rail Transit 3 grew by 1,000 to 2,000 passengers within the first three days of implementation of the 50-percent across-the-board fare discount, the MRT-3 said yesterday.

MRT-3 general manager Michael Capati said 466,735 passengers used the trains on March 24 and another 467,328 the following day.

Days prior to the discount implementation, the MRT had a daily ridership of 452,382.

Capati said the increase is still manageable for the train line, citing the 450,000 to 475,000 average daily ridership in MRT-3.

He noted that heavy passenger flow is often experienced during peak hours, particularly from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“In totality, during non-peak hours, it’s when the increase is not that drastic,” Capati said.

He added that the MRT-3 has maximized the number of trainsets to accommodate the increased passenger traffic.

“We have 19 trainsets – 13 three-car trains and six four-car trains. Around 1,350 passengers can board a four-car train. The standard three-car train has a capacity of 1,050 passengers only,” Capati said.

PUV terminal fee cut sought

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) called on malls and other establishment owners to cut down the rental fees for public utility vehicle (PUV) terminals by at least 50 percent.

LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the move is intended to assist PUV operators in reducing their operational costs amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East that triggered a series of sharp increases in the prices of petroleum products.

“We have already sent letters to as many owners and managers of establishments with PUV terminals to reduce their rental fees as a way of assistance to the public transport sector,” Mendoza said.

All LTFRB regional directors sent the letters of appeal to terminal owners and operators in their respective areas of responsibility, he added.

“The assistance that would be provided by the establishment owners will greatly contribute to easing the financial strain currently experienced by the transport sector,” Mendoza said. “This will also help ensure the continuous delivery of reliable and efficient services to the riding public.” — Josiah Antonio