ALL rail replacement works at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) are expected to finish by September this year ahead of the February 2021 original completion date.
This will improve train speed that will translate to lower headway or waiting time starting fourth quarter this year.
Operating speed of MRT-3’s trains will increase gradually from the current 30 kilometers per hour (kph), to 40 kph by October, 50 kph by November, and 60 kph by December.
The increased speed will translate to a lower headway, or waiting time between trains, from the current 8.5 minutes down to 3.5 minutes. Together, with the increase in operational trains from the current 15 up to 20, MRT-3’s capacity is expected to double from the current 300,000 to 600,000 passengers per day.
At present, 36,540 linear meters out of 65,892 linear meters of rail have been replaced 55.45 percent, out of which 5,616 linear meters were replaced during ECQ.
The installation of six pieces of long-welded rails (LWRs) from GMA-Kamuning Station to the Araneta-Cubao Station (Southbound) was finished last April 15 while 14 LWRs were completely installed from the Araneta-Cubao Station to the Santolan-Annapolis Station (Southbound) last April 23.
Rail replacement works from the Santolan-Annapolis Station to the Ortigas Station have started on May 2.
After completion of rail replacement activities, the MRT-3 will also conduct a system check on October 2020. This is to test the alignment of tracks, overhead catenary system and the signalling and communications systems of the mainline.
The rail replacement is also intended to reduce vibration-caused breakdowns, increased reliability of the rail system, and lesser passenger delays.
Meanwhile, public transportation including rail way system will resume operation at reduced capacity once Metro Manila is placed under general community quarantine.
MRT-3 can ferry 13 percent of its passenger capacity per train set, translating to 153 passengers (63 standing, 90 sitting).
The DOTr said skip trains, or trains bypassing certain stations, may be dispatched to manage passenger volumes, along with a block system to control the entry of passengers into stations, platforms, and into the trains.
Limiting the number of passengers per train car is based on a physical simulation of passengers inside the trains while maintaining the one-meter social distancing rule. Aside from trains, passenger concentration will also be reduced at station platforms, concourses, and station elevators.
