Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has directed the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) management to extend its evening operations by an additional hour and increase the number of trains during peak hours to accommodate more passengers.
Dizon personally joined commuters during the morning rush hour yesterday to assess firsthand the challenges faced by MRT-3 riders. During his inspection, he visited key stations, including Taft Avenue, Ayala, and Shaw Boulevard, to evaluate station conditions and identify areas for improvement.
As part of his directives, Dizon instructed MRT-3 General Manager Oscar Bongon to construct covered walkways connecting train stations to public transport terminals, aiming to provide passengers with more seamless transfers. He also ordered immediate repairs on all malfunctioning turnstiles to open more entry points and reduce waiting times for commuters.
“Our priority is to enhance commuter experience on the MRT-3, as it is one of the busiest modes of transit in Metro Manila,” Dizon emphasized.
The MRT-3 recorded a 5% increase in ridership in 2024, transporting 135.89 million passengers compared to 129.03 million in 2023. On average, the railway system serves 375,474 passengers daily.
The directive comes after a recent escalator malfunction at Taft Avenue Station, which resulted in injuries to 10 passengers. Maintenance provider Sumitomo Corp. has since addressed and repaired the issue.
With these measures in place, the Department of Transportation aims to improve the efficiency, safety, and overall experience of commuters relying on MRT-3 for daily transportation.