THE Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) is to resume operations today, April 21, following the completion of its annual maintenance activities during Holy Week, the Department of Transportation said on Sunday.
The four-day maintenance period began on Thursday, April 17.
In a statement, DOTr said MRT-3 personnel have completed the thorough cleaning, repairs, and installation of new components for the rail system as part of the rail line’s Holy Week maintenance work.
The passenger lighting ballasts of the cars were replaced with new ones. Spare traction motors and other mechanical and electrical parts of the rolling stock were also repaired and reconditioned.
Rail grinding
On April 19, MRT-3 personnel conducted rail grinding on the mainline, where the rails are smoothed and repaired to eliminate deformation and corrosion caused by friction and frequent use. Rail grinding is important to maintain the smooth and safe operation of trains, the DOTr said.
“Also, the public address and intercom systems of each car underwent functional testing and preventive maintenance, which are essential for the comfortable and safe travel of passengers,” it said.
In addition, cleaning and maintenance work were carried out on the buildings and facilities of MRT-3 stations. MRT staff also repaired and replaced worn-out parts of escalators and elevators, including step chains.
Extended weekday operations
MRT-3 will maintain its extended weekday operations indefinitely. The first ride from North Avenue Station is still at 4:30 a.m. and from Taft Avenue Station at 5:05 a.m. However, the last trip is extended by an hour — 10:30 p.m. from North Avenue Station and 11:09 p.m. from Taft Avenue Station.
The extended time policy has successfully completed a two-week pilot test, during which 61,004 passengers were served during the additional operating hour. A total of 29,530 passengers were served from March 24 to March 28, and 31,474 passengers from March 31 to April 4.
MRT-3 ferried about 375,474 passengers per day in 2024.
