DOTC okays shortening MRT-3 hours this weekend for repairs

The Metro Rail Transit (MRT 3) shall implement the new distance-base fare scheme effective January 4, 2015 as displayed on Saturday (January 3, 2015) at the MRT station in Pasay City. (PNA photo by Gil S. Calinga)

MANILA — The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) on Friday has allowed the shortening of operation hours for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) to make way for repairs this weekend.

According to MRT-3 general manager Roman Buenafe who made the proposal for the shorter operation hours, this will allow management to allow enough time for replacement of damaged railway tracks.

Buenafe said that about 150 meters of rail will be replaced during the window time.

While the MRT regularly operates from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, Buenafe’s proposal will have operations close from Saturday 9 p.m. and will open Sunday, 12 noon.

He further said that the railway tracks are eventually set to be replaced once welding kits are complete.

At present, the management awaits the arrival of the kits which were shipped from abroad.

These kits were supposed to have arrived Friday, but experienced a delay.

Management currently has only three welding kits are available enough to repair the MRT-3’s railway tracks.

Additional hand straps are also set to be installed in MRT-3 coaches.

Buenafe, meanwhile, assured commuters that the MRT-3 remains safe and that government is doing its best efforts to give solutions to problems both short and long term.