A 24-hour operation of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) is not likely to happen anytime soon, despite calls to extend service at least until midnight.
MRT-3 Director for Operations Oscar Bongon said that all train sets undergo maintenance activities at the depot after the last trip in the evening, usually past 10 p.m., until before the first trip the next morning (before 5 a.m.).
These include inspection, cleaning, troubleshooting, washing, shunting or uncoupling, and other preventive maintenance activities.
“Napaka-vital po nito kasi ito po ‘yung ating linya, dito po tumatakbo ‘yung mga tren natin. Ini- ensure natin na from the tracks to the signaling and then the power lahat po yan tsine-check natin para reliable ang ating operations at saka ‘yung safety nai-ensure natin na walang aberya sa revenue period,” he said in a press release issued by the Department of Transportation on Thursday.
“Kailangan ma-ensure na nami-maintain kasi po pag hindi mami-maintain, slowly mag deteriorate ‘yung system.”
Internet users recently called on the operators of the LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 to extend train service, saying that doing so would substantially benefit commuters looking for safe, inexpensive transportation options even late at night.
Bongon explained why MRT-3 cannot operate with extended hours like other nations do.
“Tayo po, iisa lang ang linya natin so we really have to maintain it. ‘Yun po ang kaibahan. Gaya sa Japan o Europe, marami silang linyang magkakasabay so pwedeng during nighttime na konti ang passenger demand, papatayin niya ang ibang linya at imaintain ‘yun at salitan ‘yun so they can operate 24 hours,” he said.
Still, Bongon said the MRT-3 plans to make the rail line, which runs from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay, operate with four-car trains to accommodate more passengers in the future.
“Kasama yan sa kontrata ng Sumitomo (maintenance and rehabilitation provider) na ‘pag natapos niya na ‘yung expansion pwede na tayong mag four-car train bago po matapos ang 2025,” he said.
