(DC file photo)
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation-Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (DOTr-MRT-3) has launched an investigation into an emergency braking incident involving a southbound train near Santolan Station on Wednesday morning, temporarily relieving the train driver from duty.
According to MRT-3, the train’s Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system activated its emergency brakes after the train passed a red signal near the station’s exit at around 6:26 a.m.
The agency explained that the ATP system is designed to monitor train movements and automatically engage the brakes when a train passes a red signal or exceeds prescribed speed limits.
Passengers who sustained minor injuries received immediate first aid from station personnel and medical responders. Some were also taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation as a precautionary measure.
MRT-3 said it was reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident and would implement appropriate measures based on the investigation’s findings.
“We apologize for the inconvenience and assure the public that passenger safety remains our top priority,” the agency said in a statement Thursday.
Meanwhile, MRT-3 reported a new single-day ridership record of 513,654 passengers on Wednesday, surpassing the previous high of 506,904 recorded on October 21.
The agency attributed the milestone to continued growth in commuter demand.
MRT-3 also maintained its 50 percent fare discount under the national government’s initiative to ease transportation expenses for daily commuters.
Despite increasing passenger volumes, the rail line assured the public of its commitment to maintaining safe, orderly, and reliable operations.
